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This page is for water, wastewater, and network operators, maintenance technicians, and operations personnel. It’s your gateway to professional development and networking in the water industry. We offer various programs designed to enhance your skills and career growth.
Operator Placement Program
The Water Industry Operations Association of Australia (WIOA) and the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) have collaborated to deliver the Operator Placement Program (OPP).
This program aims to provide selected operators with an opportunity for development outside of their direct employment. This is to be achieved by spending time at another organisation’s water treatment plant, or wastewater treatment plant, or field services depot.
The participating operator can share experiences with processes, monitoring, technologies, equipment used and then take those learnings back to their organization for consideration and discussion.
How would the placement work?
The placement does not have to be reciprocal and can be an operator from one organisation visiting another organisation’s facility for an agreed period of time, eg. one week.
Participating organisations will need to support the program and accommodate employee expenses i.e. accommodation, travel and any out-of-pocket expenses.
As part of the Operator Placement Program, WIOA will:
- provide a coordination role, and the opportunity to share employee learnings and development with the broader water industry and other participating organisations.
- arrange an introduction between the participant and the participating organisation prior to the placement taking place.
WSAA will promote the program and assist with facilitating collaboration and identification of leading practice.
How to nominate?
- Express your interest – The first step in the process is for your organisation to complete Operator Placement Program Application Form.
- Review – Once we have received your application, we will review our database for suitable organisations and individuals who are willing to participate in the Program.
- Appointment – Once we have a suitable match for your organisation/individual, we will contact you to arrange an introduction to the other party and to initiate the placement.
Network Operator Development Program
(Victoria Only)
The Network Operator Development Program, established in 2017, aims to identify, mentor, and develop future leaders in Victorian water network operations. It enhances operators’ knowledge, skills, and networks by exposing them to strategic thinking and best practices in technology, business management, and leadership. Graduates gain tools to implement best practices, increase productivity, and foster a professional culture, ultimately improving customer focus in their network activities. The program runs annually.
Graduates will be provided tools enabling them to learn how to identify and implement best practice approaches, increase productivity and enhance a professional culture within their respective organisations, to deliver an improved customer focus in their network related activities.
Step-in Program
The water industry is experiencing a skills shortage issue across the country. Historically we have not promoted careers in the water industry that well, the dynamic and innovate positions available, and our community like culture.
The Water Industry Operations Association of Australia (WIOA) is partnering with academia to bridge this gap through our Step-in Program. By show casing those interested in joining our water industry, with qualifications, and an enthusiasm for experience. Our strategy is to introduce qualified academic students to available water industry positions across the country.
Water Industry Operator Registration (ACUARIO)
Our Water Industry Operator Registration Scheme and Acuario will cease on the 1st July 2026.
WIOA continually reviews our membership offerings in consultation with our members, to ensure we are focusing in the areas that create the greatest benefit.
Our Water Industry Operator Registration Scheme and Acuario has been a service offering for many years. In 2024, we contacted users (via their main contact person) requesting their intention to continue using these service offerings. Of this survey, 90% of users advised that they would not like to continue and/or did not respond to our multiple calls.
Our member feedback is that the reduced commitment and interest is due to this being a voluntary system and not mandated in any state as a legislative requirement.
In line with this feedback, as well as operational costs and internal resources outweighing the benefit of keeping these systems going, WIOA have decided to end this service. We will be supporting these subscriptions while implementing our exit strategy, that will result in the end of this service offering on the 1st July 2026.
Any organisation can request a refund for any paid Registered Operator past the date of the 1st July 2026, that is linked to the Operator Registration Scheme.