Kochi: ASAP Kerala is now accepting applications for the first batch of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Technician Course, which will be conducted offline at the Skill Parks in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kannur, and Kozhikode. The course aims to address the shortage of certified technicians in Wastewater Treatment Plants, which is crucial in large malls, industrial establishments, hospitals, and other similar facilities. It is estimated that there are about 20,000 vacancies for such technicians across India, and there are also many opportunities in the Gulf region.

The course is approved by the National Skills Qualification Framework, and it has a duration of 200 hours, with 70 hours of theory and 130 hours of on-the-job training. Admission is open to those who have passed higher secondary or 10th with an ITI. The course fee is Rs 17,200, inclusive of GST, and ASAP Kerala facilitates skill loan assistance from Canara Bank and Kerala Bank.

In other states, including Karnataka, the respective pollution control boards have made it mandatory to appoint certified Wastewater Treatment Plant technicians. It is expected that the state of Kerala will follow suit, which will create more job opportunities in the state.