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Onsite Wastewater Practitioner
Field Training/Workshops

Onsite Wastewater Practitioner Training (OWTS)

Build expertise and open the door to new opportunities in the onsite wastewater industry. Walk away with the technical knowledge, practical skills, and field experience required to work in the industry.

The curriculum for Manitoba Installers is currently undergoing development. Currently, there is no practitioner training program offered in the province at this time.

Those wishing to become a Certified Practitioner in Manitoba may enroll in the Onsite Wastewater Practitioner Training Program offered through either:

These chapters of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association (WCOWMA) offer excellent industry training that is recognized by Manitoba Environment and Climate Change.

Why Choose This Program?
  • Start learning immediately with self-study modules upon registration
  • Engage with instructors during live, virtual training sessions
  • Hands-on field training ensures you apply what you’ve learned
  • Build practical skills you can apply immediately on the job
  • Nationally and provincially recognized certification through the New West Partnership Agreement and the Canadian Free Trade Agreement
About the Program

Part One – Start Learning Immediately

When you register, your program materials are accessible right away, so you can begin self-study immediately. This early preparation sets you up for success before moving into the next stage of training.

Part  Two – Learn From Experts in Real Time

Following your self-study, you’ll participate in eight days of scheduled online classes with experienced instructors. These live sessions give you the opportunity to ask questions, engage in discussions, and solidify your understanding of key principles.

Part Three – Apply Your Skills in the Field

Attend a Site & Soils Field Evaluation Workshop. This one-day, hands-on training allows you to put your knowledge into practice under the guidance of an industry professional. Offered during the installation season.

Who This Program Is For

Perfect for:

  • Contractors, landscapers & excavators expanding services
  • New entrants to the trades
  • Entrepreneurs starting a business

No prior experience required — just a willingness to learn!

What You’ll Learn
  • Site & soil evaluation
  • Designing onsite wastewater systems
  • Installing & maintaining onsite wastewater systems
  • Inspecting & troubleshooting existing systems

Training Registration

The OWTS Program Offers Ongoing Registration – Start Anytime

Click to register - SOWMA OWTS Training
Click to register - AOWMA OWTS Training
Program Tuition
  • Member: $ 4461.82
  • Non-Member: $5277.67

Includes GST, learning material, live training and field day.

view program guide

For questions, contact our office:

204-771-0455
1-855-872-2659

adrienne@wcowma.com

Field Training / Workshops

Site & Soils Evaluation Field Days

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Inspection for Real Estate

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installation field day workshop

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Maintenance Provider Parts I & II

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Virtual Classroom
Check back regularly for updates.

maintenance provider practical workshop

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Dates & Location:
July 9-10 – Chilliwack area (BC)

Pre-webinar – June 30

Post-webinar – July 15

Questions?

Contact
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Site & Soils Evaluation Field Days

Site and Soils Evaluation Field Days will be held for those interested in learning more about performing detailed site visits and designing systems for difficult situations and soils.  This training workshop will provide information on assessing soil structure and texture, assessing site conditions and constraints, logging information and applying that knowledge to the design of onsite systems.

This practical training day is a great opportunity to get hands-on experience evaluating a site, as well as, practicing hand texturing and sampling. Installers who have recently completed the Onsite Wastewater Practitioner Training Program will be able to take their new knowledge and apply it on-site. Experienced designers and installers should also consider this opportunity to continue their education.

Dates to be Announced 

Inspection For Real Estate

More and more, properties are requiring an inspection of the onsite wastewater system prior to title transfer. Learn more about performing inspections for real estate as well as how to develop the paperwork and reporting.

Upon receipt of your completed registration form, you will be sent the information on the location of the training site along with any other information required.

Dates to be Announced

INSTALL FIELD TRAINING WORKSHOP

Installation Field Days provide new and experienced installers with the opportunity to learn new techniques and installation practices.  Field days may be offered for systems such as subsurface trench systems either gravity or pressure distribution, LFH At-Grades, or even something as simple as an open discharge (surface discharge or jet) depending on the site and soils available and the regulatory framework.

Dates to be Announced 

Maintenance Provider - Parts I & II

WCOWMA is partnering with WCOWMA-BC to offer a four-day, 30-hour, virtual training program designed for individuals who are interested in specializing in, or expanding their knowledge of, onsite wastewater system operations and maintenance.

This highly recognized training program is divided into two parts.

It is geared towards those with prior knowledge of onsite wastewater treatment systems and who wish to expand upon existing knowledge to provide more comprehensive maintenance services.

Part 1 – Introduction to Operation and Maintenance

Participants will learn about:

  • Business aspects of operation and maintenance including: site safety, contracts, and tools of the trade
  • Maintenance assessments and troubleshooting issues of conventional systems, including trenches, beds, mounds, and at-grades
  • Introduction to aerobic tank system

Part 2 – Advanced Operation and Maintenance

Participants will build upon Part 1 concepts and expand their scope to include maintenance and troubleshooting for:

  • Aerobic Treatment Systems
  • Drip irrigation
  • Single-pass and re-circulating media filters
  • Various dosing schematics working with control panels
  • Business Practice Review for Maintenance Providers

Each part concludes with an exam to evaluate understanding and certify successful completion. Registration includes all 4 days.

Certification

  • Earn your Maintenance Provider Certificate after completing all 4 days

Recognition and Listing

  • Gain visibility on the WCOWMA Locate-a-Pro webpage, connecting you directly with homeowners looking for certified Maintenance Practitioners
  • Position yourself as the go-to expert in onsite wastewater system operations and maintenance in your area
  • Apply for your Maintenance Provider ROWP Stamp with ASTTBC if you ever plan to work in BC
Click to Register

Maintenance Provider Practical Workshop

This workshop provides a structured, three-part learning experience focused on the operations and maintenance of onsite wastewater systems. By combining regulatory theory, hands-on field application, and professional reporting, this program ensures participants gain a comprehensive understanding of the standards required for industry practice.

Theory and Regulation:

Pre-Field Virtual Session

Before heading into the field, participants will attend a webinar to review the maintenance requirements detailed in the Standard Practice Manual (SPM) and the ASTTBC practice guidelines for Maintenance Providers.

Practical Application:

Two-Day Field Training

Participants will engage in two days of hands-on training led by a recognized industry expert. This session focuses on the direct care, maintenance and operation of onsite wastewater systems and the development of accurate maintenance recommendations.

Professional Reporting:

Post-Field Virtual Session

Following the field days, a concluding webinar will guide participants through the process of compiling and reviewing professional maintenance reports to ensure compliance and accuracy.

This integrated approach ensures that every participant is prepared to navigate the technical and administrative demands of a Maintenance Provider.

Onsite Wastewater Systems Assessed:

Systems assessed during the workshop may include any combination of the following system types: 

  • Type 1
  • Type 2 
  • Type 3

Course Outcomes

  • Review of the maintenance requirements under the Sewerage System Regulation and the Standard Practice Manual – webinar
  • Overview of the reporting documentation for maintenance assessments – webinar
  • Maintenance processes and procedures – practical field training
Click to Register
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