Transitioning Fort Carson soldiers to receive Hazardous Waste Worker training at no cost

June 21, 2017
Story and photo by Brandon Steinert

Barton Community College will offer transitioning Fort Carson Soldiers a grant-funded two-week certificate program at no cost to participants. The Hazardous Waste Worker (HWW) program gives Soldiers credentials to help them find work after their tenure in the US Army ends.

The next course is set from July 10-21 at 1638 Elwell Street, Building 6236, Fort Carson, Colo.

Classes are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each weekday, covering Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hazardous Materials Handling, OSHA 10-hour General Industry Safety and Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER), culminating in a hands-on hazardous waste handling simulation for the final exam.

Students must be physically and mentally able to work in a full level-A Hazardous Materials ensemble, including a self-contained breathing apparatus.

The training is paid for by a grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). The course is geared toward transitioning soldiers, retirees and family members at no cost.

“This course is only 10 days and it is a great opportunity for transitioning soldiers because they can get this training at no-cost and immediately have qualifications that employers in the HAZMAT field are looking for,” said Barton’s Dean of Fort Riley Technical Education and Military Outreach Training Bill Nash. “They can get back to their lives and get to work right away so they can provide for their families.”

For more information, contact James Henderson at (785) 238-8550 or hendersonj@bartonccc.edu.