Cedar Park recognizes first graduates of Leander ISD co-op apprenticeship with Public Works and Utilities

The City Council recognized the first graduates of a co-op apprenticeship program between Leander Independent School District and the City of Cedar Park Public Works and Utilities department.

Carrie Koval, senior business partner for the city, said the program was launched to address recruitment challenges for licensed operator positions by introducing high school students to water and wastewater careers. Koval said the city provided classes that help students obtain an entry-level operator license; she introduced graduating apprentices including Heidi Williams (water treatment apprentice, Cedar Park High School), Tyler De Los Santos (wastewater collections apprentice, Glenn High School) and Bridal Meeter (water distribution apprentice, Clinton High School).

Apprentices and city staff described the program as hands-on career training that offers benefits and upward mobility. Heidi Williams said she recently passed her basic water license and called the program “life changing.” Koval said the city aims to double the apprenticeship cohort next year from three to six and will continue the partnership with Leander ISD, including educator externships and job-shadowing opportunities. She also said each apprentice received a letter of intent to hire and staff expect them to join the public works department in full-time roles after graduation.

Councilmembers and staff celebrated the apprentices and noted the program’s role in workforce development and local career pathways.