Western Apprenticeship Coordinators Association

Apprenticeships for Operating Engineers

What do operating engineers do?

Heavy equipment operators drive and operate heavy construction equipment, including compaction machinery, large backhoes, cranes, clamshells, draglines, hoists, equipment and machinery used in the repair and construction of heavy and highway construction and plant equipment operations (such as screening plants, asphalt plants, concrete batch plants, etc.) The crane operators’ branch specializes in the crane field and is a hybrid between crane operator, mechanic and crane oiler duties. Heavy duty mechanics repair and maintain all of the equipment listed above. Lubrication technicians perform preventative maintenance on the equipment such as grease and oiling, lubricating and minor repairs. Surveyor’s work varies depending on the project and location and may include surveying the construction of high rise buildings or mapping lots in a housing subdivision. Whichever position, people should be physically fit to perform the work involved.

Program Specifics

There are five programs with different time frames: Equipment operators, mechanics and crane operators, all four years; and lubrication technician and surveyor, both two years. All five have the same pay range, with apprentices starting around $18/hour and with journey level workers making just over $31/hour. Additional benefits like medical, dental and vision insurance and a retirement pension increase the total wage value. Mechanics need to have a commercial driver’s license, which may be obtained in-house at the training center in the Fernley area. Applications, taken year ‘round, may be obtained at the Union Hall at 1290 Corporate Blvd. in Reno or mailed from the apprenticeship coordinator’s office.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and live in northern Nevada.
Applicants must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent. They have a year upon beginning the apprenticeship to obtain this.
Applicants must be physically capable of performing the essential functions of the apprenticeship program and subsequent work.
Apprentices must successfully pass a drug test once they are accepted into and enter the program.
The apprenticeship program offers equal opportunity to all people regardless of race, age, color, gender, religion, nationality or sexual orientation.
A 2-hour written test is given at 9:30 a.m. every third Wednesday of the month at the Union Hall at 1290 Corporate Blvd. in Reno. The test has three parts: math, English comprehension and mechanical comprehension.
After successful completion of the test, an interview is set within the next 4-6 weeks. The interview committee is comprised of labor and contractor management.
If accepted, an applicant remains on the list for two years.
Orientation for new applicants is usually in April or May. This takes 10 hours on four Saturdays, for a total of 40 hours.
Work begins in June or July.
Classroom instruction runs from November 15-March 30 for 144 hours a year.
There is no cost for school or books but tools may run $100-$150.
Apprentices must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Once applicants are indentured as apprentices, they are expected to become a member of the Operating Engineers Union, the fees of which are:

Initiation fee of approximately $474 (paid in full or set up on a weekly payroll deduction of $50).
Quarterly dues are approximately $105 ($35/month).

For more information contact:
1290 Corporate Blvd., P.O. Box 20962, Reno, NV 89515
Phone: 775-575-2729 Fax: 775-575-2825

Email: nnvjac@aol.com | Web: http://www.iuoe.org