AWWA ACE61812

This paper discusses a project where the Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS), an agency of the University of Tennessee Institute for Public Service, contracted with Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division (MLGW) to develop a 12 hour training class that focused on construction management of water transmission and distribution installation projects. From the start of the project, MTAS' technicians and engineers took an active roll in the development of the program. The paper discusses the individual elements of the training class, the personnel used in the development process, and the presentation of the first training class in Memphis at MLGW's Joyce M. Blackmon Training Center. MLGW's engineering staff, distribution construction workers, and management increased their knowledge from this project and enhanced already refined skills. The paper also discusses how MLGW employees participated and the benefits from their participation. Before the MTAS project, MLGW had only three Distribution System Grade II Certified Operators. As an indirect result of the MTAS project, MLGW has conducted two Distribution System Grade II review classes to prepare employees for the State of Tennessee certification examination. Includes appendices.