Kent County Recognizes Eric Thessen’s Maryland Rural Water Association Apprenticeship Completion

Chestertown, MD

The Water & Wastewater Services Division of Kent County Public Works is proud to announce that Eric Thessen, Operator‑in‑Training, has completed the Maryland Rural Water Association’s (MRWA) two‑year Apprenticeship Program. Patty Shreves, Apprenticeship Coordinator for MRWA, attended the September 16, 2026, County Commissioners’ meeting to formally present Mr. Thessen with his Certificate of Completion.

Mr. Thessen completed the final components of the program in July 2026, five months ahead of schedule. Throughout his apprenticeship, he consistently earned recognition for the high quality of his work, exceptional dedication, and professionalism. Beginning his career with the County as a Utility Technician, he advanced to Operator‑in‑Training and has applied both on‑the‑job experience and classroom instruction to pass all examinations required for his Class 5A Wastewater Treatment and Class 4 Water Treatment Operator certifications. He is expected to become fully licensed in both classifications in January 2027 upon completion of the remaining experience requirements.

Mr. Thessen’s advancement reflects the intended career progression within the Water & Wastewater Services Division and demonstrates what can be achieved through hard work, practical experience, continued education, and steadily increasing responsibility. His success also underscores the importance of apprenticeship and internal employee development as Kent County works to build the next generation of licensed operators essential to maintaining vital public infrastructure.

“Eric has earned this recognition through his hard work, initiative, and commitment to learning,” said Daniel Mattson, Director of Public Works. “Completing the apprenticeship five months early while progressing toward both water and wastewater operator licenses is a significant accomplishment. We’re proud of his progress and grateful to MRWA for helping us develop the skilled operators our communities depend on.”

The Water & Wastewater Services Division intends to continue supporting employee participation in the MRWA Apprenticeship Program as part of its long‑term strategy to develop licensed operators internally, an effort made even more important by the upcoming Millington Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is expected to require two additional certified operators upon completion.

All training courses, instructional materials, and conference expenses associated with Mr. Thessen’s apprenticeship were fully funded by the Maryland Rural Water Association (MRWA) through a grant from the Rural Maryland Council. For more information about MRWA’s Apprenticeship Program, please visit https://www.md-rwa.org/services/apprenticeship-program/.