Apprenticeship Programs

The Training Center offers separate programs for Operating Engineers and Stationary Engineers. Construction apprentices apply, interview and are trained before going to work.  Stationary apprentices are hired by a union employer first and then sponsored by an employer into the Stationary or LME apprenticeship programs.

Construction Apprentices

Within the construction apprenticeship program, the center offers three separate programs.

Universal equipment operator (UEO), Heavy duty repairer (HDR) and Technical Engineer (TE) sometimes  referred to as Construction Surveyors.

These three programs vary in length.

  • UEO’s are indentured for a 4 year/8000 hour on-the-job training program.
  • HDR’s and TE’s are indentured into a 3 year/ 6000 hour on-the-job training program.

Limited Maintenance Electricians/Stationary Engineer Apprentices

A Limited Maintenance Electrician/Stationary Engineer supports the operation and maintenance of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration in large buildings and commercial facilities. These systems include boilers, diesel engines, turbines, generators, pumps, condensers, compressors and refrigeration equipment. A Stationary Engineer is responsible for ensuring that the equipment operates safely, economically, and within established limits through computerized controls, meters and gauges from the time they start until they are shut down.

  • Stationary Apprentice – 8000 hour program
  • Limited Maintenance Electrician apprentice (LME) – 4000 hour program

Learn How to Apply Today!

Becoming an apprentices is a three step process.

Step 1: The Application

The Training Center typically accepts application the last two weeks of February. Although this may not happen every year. When deciding whether or not to accept new applicants, the Training Center staff reviews upcoming industry needs to determine the need to bring in new apprentices.

The application, interview and pre-apprentice training are all handled similarly.  The two minimum requirements to apply are that the individual must be over 18 years old and have their high school diploma or GED.

Step 2: The Interview

Interviews are typically done between the end of March and the end of April. Interviews for UEO’s are conducted in groups of 20. Interviews for HDR’s and TE’s are determined by the total number of applicants.

Step 3: Pre-apprentice Hands-on Training

Pre-Apprentice hands-on training is typically held during the month of June.

Once all three steps are successfully completed, the applicant is placed on the Eligible for Dispatch list and waits for his/her first job. Once dispatched to the first employer then they are an registered apprentice.

Apprenticeship Opportunities

The Operator Engineers Training Center annually takes apprenticeship applications for the following trades: Operating Engineer, Heavy Duty Repairers and Technical Engineers/Construction Surveyors. The Training Center is not currently accepting apprenticeship applications.

Pre-apprenticeship Programs

Pre-apprenticeship programs provide a good overview of all trades. These often free programs help you find the trade that might work for you. The following are links to pre-apprenticeship programs in our area (links will open a new window):