RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A Virginia Department of Corrections program is training nonviolent offenders for a career in wastewater treatment.

Eleven apprentices have completed the year-long program and 10 have passed the Class 4 wastewater certification and received an operator’s license. At least one former offender now works at a wastewater treatment plant.

Only inmates deemed low security risks can apply for the program. Besides violent offenders, inmates with a history of sexual offenses are also ineligible for the program.

The apprenticeship program is offered at several prison sites around the state. They include St. Brides, Haynesville, Deerfield, James River, Nottoway, Baskerville, Buckingham, Rustburg and Powhatan. The program is also offered at Virginia Correctional Center for Women.

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