What happens after you’re accepted into the program?

While each apprentice arrived at Charlotte Water from a different path, they now share a common experience: structured training, hands-on preparation, and a culture built on accountability and teamwork. The Utility Tech I Apprenticeship blends technical instruction with personal development, ensuring participants are prepared not only for the work itself but also for long-term growth within the organization.

In this second installment of our three-part series, we take a closer look at what the apprenticeship experience feels like from the inside.

DJ Hobbs

For DJ, the apprenticeship represents more than a career transition. Coming from a background in armed security and customer service, he was ready to move from contract work into something more stable and long-term. While new to water and wastewater, he quickly found that the program offered something he had not experienced before.

Each day begins at 7:30 a.m., often with a team-building activity that helps the group connect before diving into lessons. From emotional awareness and conflict resolution to preparing for life as a full-time employee, the training focuses on more than technical skills.

“They really care about your mental well-being,” DJ said. “They’re preparing you for real life.”

What surprised him most was the culture. After his son’s birth, his cohort signed a card and celebrated with him. “It feels like I have another family,” he shared.

J’Mani Moore

J’Mani entered the apprenticeship with prior experience in water and wastewater operations, having worked in facility maintenance for lift stations and treatment plants in Gaston County. For him, joining Charlotte Water was a step deeper into a field he already enjoyed.

While the technical training is valuable, J’Mani said the emphasis on interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence has stood out the most.

“I’m kind of in a rebranding phase of my life,” he shared. “Refining my attitude and emotional intelligence is something I can use every day.”

Even with a 50-minute commute and balancing family responsibilities, he views the structured training as an investment in both his career and personal growth.

Akeem Flowers

Akeem joined the program with experience in warehouse management, carpentry, and appliance installation. While new to water and wastewater, he quickly recognized that the apprenticeship offers more than technical instruction.

For Akeem, learning professionalism and workplace communication has been especially impactful. “Now coming in here and learning how I should be able to talk to coworkers, bosses, managers… it makes me feel more prepared,” he said.

He was also surprised by the level of organizational support. From great benefits to leadership that encourages internal mobility and career pathways, Akeem said the program feels like an opportunity to grow within a company that invests in its people.

Darrell Akrie

Darrell entered the apprenticeship with prior experience in sewer and water operations, having worked in both York County and with Charlotte Water. For him, the program represents continued growth within a field he already knows well.

He describes each day as an opportunity to remain open-minded and learn new systems as operations evolve. Operator training has been especially meaningful, including hands-on exposure to equipment such as front loaders and excavators.

Darrell has been impressed by the consistency of communication and teamwork throughout the program. Even as they adapt to new digital tools and technologies, he and his cohort rely on one another through collaboration and shared support.

For Darrell, completing the apprenticeship means unlocking new possibilities and continuing to build a career rooted in service and growth.

While each apprentice’s experience is unique, a common theme continues to emerge: the Utility Tech I Apprenticeship is not simply job training. It is preparation for a sustainable career, built on technical skills, personal development, and a strong team foundation.

In our final installment, we will explore what comes next for these apprentices. From long-term goals to the future, they hope to build within Charlotte Water.

Behind every apprenticeship is a story.

Charlotte Water’s Utility Tech I Apprenticeship brings together individuals from different industries, experiences, and stages of life, all united by a shared goal: building a meaningful, long-term career in public service. This year’s cohort did not follow one single path to get here. Some pivoted from different industries. Some applied more than once. Others are continuing family legacies or stepping into a completely new trade.

In this first installment of our three-part series, we are highlighting how four apprentices found their way to Charlotte Water and what motivated them to take that next step.

Teneia “Ten” Howie

Teneia, who goes by Ten, grew up in Monroe, North Carolina, and spent the past three years working part-time at American Airlines, while searching for a long-term career path. Even though she absolutely loved her position at American Airlines, she felt ready for something different. This led to her enrollment at Goodwill’s trade school program, where she earned certifications and received career placement support.

With support from her trade school, Ten refined her resume and successfully secured a spot in the apprenticeship on her second application.

“It’s been a process,” she shared, reflecting on her journey. But a process well worth the hard work and effort she’s put in.

Although new to the water and wastewater field, Ten embraced the apprenticeship as a fresh start and an opportunity to grow in a stable, hands-on career.

Shakir Cleveland

Shakir Cleveland brings decades of hands-on experience to the program. He began working hands on jobs at 17, spending years in construction and outdoor labor roles. Through his family’s plumbing business, he also gained early exposure to working with tools and trade work.

While he excelled in office-based customer service and mortgage roles, even earning high-performance recognition, he realized something important about himself: he did not thrive behind a desk.

“I just did not like being stuck in an office setting,” he said.

After exploring different paths, Shakir found that working outdoors felt like where he belonged. The Utility Tech I Apprenticeship offered the structure, teamwork, and long-term career opportunity he had been searching for.

William Devizia

William Devizia was born in Korea and raised in Charlotte, bringing extensive utilities experience to the apprenticeship. Before joining Charlotte Water, he worked with Honeywell and later contracted with Piedmont Natural Gas and Duke Energy. In those roles, he helped transition traditional AMR meters to AMI “smart” meters, enabling remote readings and increased efficiency.

After consistently performing well in his previous roles, William was hired full-time and continued building his technical expertise. Although new specifically to water and wastewater operations, he saw the Utility Tech I Apprenticeship as a natural next step in his utilities career.

For William, the program represents continued growth and long-term opportunity within the industry.

Emiliano Guatemala

At just 20 years old, Emiliano is already focused on building stability for his family. A father of two, he previously worked in HVAC installation, gaining hands-on experience in physically demanding environments.

Emiliano was drawn to the apprenticeship for its long-term benefits and advancement opportunities. He also follows in his father’s footsteps, who has worked at Charlotte Water for several years.

“I love it,” he said, describing the program so far. “And now I know my kids are going to be set.”

For Emiliano, an apprenticeship is more than a job. It is a foundation for growth, both professionally and personally.

These four apprentices represent just a portion of this year’s Utility Tech I cohort, but their journeys highlight the diverse paths that lead to public service careers at Charlotte Water.

In Part Two of this series, we will take a closer look at what it is really like to be a Utility Tech I apprentice, from day-to-day training to the skills they are developing along the way.