Colleagues,
We are always excited to share success stories of our vocational technical students across the Commonwealth. Kayden Curtis, a student at Whittier Tech in Haverhill, has passed the Massachusetts Municipal Grade 4 Wastewater Treatment Exam, making him the youngest licensed wastewater operator in the state.
Chapter 74 vocational technical & agricultural schools like Whittier Tech, continues to provide students with hands-on, real-world experiences that lead to career success.
Kayden’s journey exemplifies the power of vocational technical & agricultural education in opening doors for students and preparing them for meaningful, in-demand careers.
David
Whittier Tech Student Becomes Youngest Licensed Wastewater Operator in Massachusetts
Whittier Tech March 6, 2025
Whittier Tech is proud to announce that senior Kayden Curtis has passed the Massachusetts Municipal Grade 4 Wastewater Treatment Exam, making him the youngest licensed wastewater operator in the state.
Kayden, who has been working at the Merrimac Wastewater Treatment Facility, took the state exam on his 18th birthday, successfully earning his certification—a rare accomplishment for someone so young.
His dedication, strong work ethic, and willingness to go above and beyond set him apart early on.
“Kayden has been doing great! He shows up with a positive attitude and is ready to get right to work,” said Justin Craig, Kayden’s supervisor at the Merrimac Wastewater Treatment Facility where he was on co-op. “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. This is an impressive achievement, and we all look forward to his continued success.”
Kayden’s accomplishment comes at a critical time for the wastewater industry in Massachusetts, which is facing a growing need for skilled operators. Many municipalities are seeing a wave of retirements among experienced professionals, creating strong demand for the next generation of workers.
Wastewater operators play a crucial role in protecting public health and the environment, making it an essential and stable career path.
"I’m incredibly proud of Kayden. His willingness to put in the effort, both on the job and in his studies, is setting him up for a successful future," said Eli Roy, Whittier Tech Plumbing Instructor. "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."
Kayden credits Whittier Tech and his mentors for preparing him for this career path. “I’m grateful to Whittier Tech for giving me the foundation I needed to pursue this opportunity,” Kayden said. “Mr. Roy invested in me, pushed me to learn, and encouraged me every step of the way. I’m excited to see where this career takes me.”
Whittier Tech continues to provide students with hands-on, real-world experiences that lead to career success. Kayden’s journey exemplifies the power of career technical education in opening doors for students and preparing them for meaningful, in-demand careers.
Michelle Jenkins, Information Officer for Wastewater Certification at NEIWPCC, the organization that issues the wastewater exam and certifications, praised the significance of his achievement. “It’s wonderful to see technical schools preparing students for this field through such valuable programs,” she said.
David J. Ferreira
MAVA Communications Coordinator
DavidFerreira
