Operating Engineer

WHAT THEY DO:

Operating Engineers are the workers that operate and maintain various types of power-driven construction machines. Such machinery will include endloaders, graders, scrapers, bobcats, and bulldozers, which dig, scrape and move large amounts of earth; cranes, derricks, cherrypickers or forklifts that hoist materials and supplies; or widening machines, grinders, pavers and rollers that rebuild existing highways.

Operation of these machines require the engineer to maintain accurate and consistent control by use of hand, foot and eye coordination.

Operating Engineers also service, maintain, and repair all of the equipment they operate.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Age – minimum 18 years
Must be dependable, and have a dependable vehicle to travel to various job sites. Must have a telephone where they can be reached.
Physically able to perform the work of the trade, must enjoy working outdoors in all types of weather conditions.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOINT APPRENTICESHIP COMMITTEE:

High school transcript
Diploma or equivalency certificate
Battery of tests administered by outside agency
Interview by contractors and union
120 hour familiarization course

TERMS OF APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING:

Length – 4 years
160 hours per year minimum of related instruction
Training hours are in 4 – forty hour blocks
Indentured to the Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee

RECOMMENDED HIGH SCHOOL COURSES:

General Math English
Computer basics Shop Courses
Drafting