Terms & Requirements of Apprenticeship

4 Year Program

Apprentices will be paid at the negotiated apprenticeship rate.

Applicant must be at least 18 years of age.

Must have a valid current driver's license.

Must pay a non-refundable application fee of $25.00 by money order or bank cashier's check (NO cash or regular checks).

Must undergo drug testing when scheduled by the J.A.T.C.

Nature of Work

Operating Engineers operate and maintain a variety of powered equipment. These range in complexity from air compressors to earth boring machines and bulldozers to very large power shovels and cranes.

Engineers operate this equipment to dig or excavate basements, trenches, post holes, and tunnels; to raze obsolete or dilapidated structures; to move, hoist, load, and transport sand and gravel; to provide compressed air or electric power for powered hand tools.

Operating Engineers lubricate, maintain and perform minor repairs and adjustments to the machinery. Engineers install clamshell, dragline buckets, and other attachments required for certain jobs.

A qualified Operating Engineer is capable of operating and maintaining a wide variety of powered construction equipment. Some Operating Engineers choose a certain type of machine as their specialty and are known by that title instead of the general title of Operating Engineer. When preferred work is not available, however, Engineers will operate different machines or instruct others in their use.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Operating Engineers work outside in all types of weather. The work is strenuous, and the operators are subject to jarring, jolting and continuous noise.

The potential danger for injury is constant and requires constant vigilance to avoid hazards such as power lines, moving machinery, and unsafe soil conditions.

These dangers are reduced by the use of flag persons, barricades, safety hats, and equipment maintenance programs. When a dangerous situation arises, many times the good judgment of an operator prevents an accident.

Due to the nature of the work, an Operating Engineer will be expected to travel and live away from home for a portion of time. Generally, such jobs are within weekend commuting distance.

IUOE 542

Additional Information

Available opportunities

Applications may be accepted in October for Spring 2027 class

PA