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Kayden Curtis, a Haverhill senior at Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School, recently passed the Massachusetts Municipal Grade 4 Wastewater Treatment Exam, making him the youngest licensed wastewater operator in the state.
Curtis, who has been working on co-op at the Merrimac Wastewater Treatment Facility, took the state exam on his 18th birthday, successfully earning his certification. His work supervisor Justin Craig said he knew Curtis was on the road to success.
“He shows up with a positive attitude and is ready to get right to work,” said Craig, adding, “He quickly picked up the daily operations and demonstrated exceptional potential. I pushed him to take the exam knowing he had what it takes, and he proved me right.”
Curtis credits Whittier Tech and his mentors, but Whittier Tech plumbing instructor Eli Roy pushes back. “His willingness to put in the effort, both on the job and in his studies, is setting him up for a successful future,” he said. “This field needs dedicated young professionals like him, and he’s proving that students can step into these vital roles right out of high school.”
The school said Curtis’s accomplishment comes at a critical time for the wastewater industry in Massachusetts, which is facing a growing need for skilled operators. Many communities are seeing a wave of retirements among experienced professionals, creating a demand for the next generation of workers.
Now known only by its initials, what was New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission organizes the wastewater exam and issues certifications. Its spokesperson, Michelle Jenkins, agrees with the industry assessment. “It’s wonderful to see technical schools preparing students for this field through such valuable programs.”