Operating Engineer Apprenticeship Paths

Introduction to the Operating Engineers Apprenticeship Program

Operating Engineers build roads, bridges, and dams, and assist in the construction of large buildings and other structures. Working as an Operating Engineer is an excellent career for men and women who want to acquire diverse skills, work outdoors, and be creative; Operating Engineers can do all of this while earning a decent wage.

The Apprenticeship training program and wage information featured here covers all of Ohio. The sponsoring Union, IUOE Local 18, provides the program at four training centers in the state. Find out more about the training center near you in Ohio and nationally at https://local18training.com/

The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 18, the Ohio Contractor Association, and the Ohio Building Chapter of the Associated General Contractors are the program sponsors.

Benefits of the Operating Engineer Apprenticeship Programs

  • This program is an industry-sponsored and funded registered Apprenticeship Training Program. If accepted, you will receive extensive training at no cost to you
  • The program is a paid, four-year, full-time commitment leading to journeyperson status at a full union wage upon completion
  • Union members and their dependents may be eligible for scholarships that pay for tuition, fees and books if you choose to pursue a college degree during the program
    • Local 18 gives approximately $3 million a year for this purpose. As a member of Local 18, you and your family will qualify for these opportunities.
  • Obtain a commercial driver’s license during first year of apprenticeship
  • Equipment Operator apprentices are paid on an increasing level from50% of the negotiated hourly rate in the first year to 80% of thenegotiated rate in the fourth year
  • Equipment Maintenance Technician apprentices are paid based on the negotiated wage rate for their scope and
    range of work, and based on the level attained within the apprenticeship

About the Operating Engineers and Equipment Maintenance Technicians Apprenticeship Programs

The Equipment Operator and Equipment Maintenance Technician are two separate programs, each with their own requirements, both with their own rewards. Both programs offer the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and develop the skills needed and necessary to be successful in the trade:

  • Operating Engineers Apprenticeship (four-year program)
  • Equipment Maintenance Technicians Apprenticeship (four-year program)

Operating Engineer Apprenticeship Program

Operating Engineers operate equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, articulated dump trucks, forklifts and cranes. This equipment is used while constructing roads, dams, bridges and buildings.

What You Will Learn

Every apprentice will be certified to operate:

  • Forklifts
  • Skid Steers
  • Will become Signal-Person-Qualified and OSHA Certified

Apprentices will learn to be proficient operators on various equipment:

  • Intro to Mechanics
  • Loaders
  • Bulldozers
  • Backhoes
  • Excavators
  • Paving Equipment
  • Cranes
Learn More

Equipment Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship Program

This program was created to help meet the huge demand for mechanics in the construction industry. Training includes classroom and related instruction, on-the-job employment, and written and machine performance tests.

What You Will Learn

  • Support Equipment Repair
  • Principles of Diesel Engines
  • Electrical Systems
  • Hydraulic & Air Brake Systems
  • Power Trains
  • Welding Processes
  • Crane Assembly & Disassembly
  • GPS & Site Tech Diagnosis
  • Shop Operations
Learn More

For apprenticeships in trades not listed on our website, visit Cleveland Builds.

View Videos of Women in this Industry

Job Talks - Bulldozer Operator, Larissa Talks About Moving Dirt and Her Apprenticeship Process

PAVING, SURFACING, AND TAMPING EQUIPMENT OPERATORS CAREER VIDEO

WOMEN TAKE THE WHEEL IN MINING BOOM

Encouraging women to pursue new careers: construction equipment repair

Rachael's Story: Heavy Duty Equipment Technician

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