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AUB’S COLEMAN EARNS STATE CERTIFICATION

Athens, Tn.—Dylan Coleman is Athens Utilities Board’s (AUB) newest state certified operator in the utility’s Water Division.

 

Coleman has been in a rigorous AUB apprentice program for the past two years, which culminates with sitting for the state certification exams.

 

Coleman started in AUB’s wastewater division in May 2016, where he worked for two years before transferring to the water division.

 

“The apprentice program is demanding in terms of time and the amount of material that must be absorbed and mastered,” said AUB’s Craig Brymer, superintendent of AUB’s Water and Wastewater Divisions.

 

Apprentices must learn in detail the ins and outs of water distribution systems including system mathematics to public health regulations and requirements to all of the construction and maintenance aspects of building a water distribution system and keeping it in shape to exceed the state and federal standards.

 

“During the apprentice period, he had to complete correspondence courses, take state directed exams at a test center in Middle Tennessee, and take AUB directed tests every six months to check his progress,” Brymer said. 

 

“Dylan was about halfway through the apprentice program in the wastewater division when he transferred to the water division, so he has had an exam hanging over his head at given point for the past two years or more,” Brymer noted.

 

“It is nice to go home after a long day at work and not have another test to study for,” Coleman said.

 

“I enjoy all of the responsibilities of water distribution, the repairs, new instillations, maintenance, and all we do to ensure product quality through the process after the water is treated at our filter plant.  There are no two days that are the same,” he said. 

 

Brymer said that many utilities across Tennessee struggle to find operators who have the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the tough standards.

 

“AUB hit a home run when Dylan came on board.  He is a fast learner, has loads of common sense, and you can count on him to show up and give his best every day.  He is always up for something new and challenging.  We are thrilled for his success,” he said.

 

AUB, in existence since 1939, provides water service to businesses and residents in the city of Athens and much of surrounding McMinn County.