Fleming Training Center is home to the Tennessee Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Program as well as an extensive and growing Operator Training Program. FTC has been in operation for over 50 years working to certify operators, provide continuing education, and in-depth training for new system operators. In the past few years, Fleming has undergone major staffing changes with almost a complete turnover of employees. This has led to some amazing and long overdue improvements to the overall operation of the training center. The Operator Certification Program has been experiencing many updates including a new Program Coordinator and a transition to a standardized certification exam. The program recently was awarded as Operator Certification Program of the Year by Water Professionals International Board. Additionally, Fleming’s director, Mr. John Lawrence, received the award for Program Administrator of the Year. The Operator Training Program has grown to now include 5 instructors with plans to hire more. This means more classes offered for the operators-in-training. Fleming has an extensive training program with class topics that include math, lab, cross connection, and many in-depth courses specific to an individual certification. Statistics show that attending training courses increases the probability of passing the Operator Certification Exam. As part of the expanding training program, Fleming staff has begun, once again, providing technical assistance (TA) to ANY wastewater or water system that requests it. Several FTC staff members are currently certified in a variety of water-related fields. All TA visits are completely free to the system and can include assistance with treatment processes, laboratory testing procedures, process control, troubleshooting and much more.