APPRENTICESHIP & TRAINING CENTER

What is the International Union of Operating Engineers [IUOE]?

We are a construction trades union that has represented Operating Engineers since 1896.

Why join a Union?

Over the years, unions have helped make this country great, bringing prosperity, growth, safety, and security. Unions have a place in every profession to ensure safety in the workplace, fair wages, and representation. 

What is an Operating Engineer?

An Operating Engineer is a person who works as a heavy equipment operator, mechanic, welder, or surveyor. The heavy equipment operator works on construction projects operating a variety of equipment such as a bulldozer, backhoe, forklift, crane, excavator, etc. 

What is an Operating Engineer Apprentice?

An Apprentice is an individual who has signed a legal agreement to learn the trade of Operating Engineer through a combined program of work experience (on-the-job training) and classroom instruction (related training). Through the Apprenticeship Agreement, the Apprentice is also registered with the New York State Department of Labor.

What type of person is an Operating Engineer?

· Likes to be outside and can tolerate all types of weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, mud, dust)

· Work While sitting in the same or very awkward position for an indefinite amount of time. 

· Be able to withstand strenuous work

· Likes the challenge of hard work and be satisfied with being a part of a larger project like creating a building or a road

· Be flexible with workdays and hours. Every job and every day have different expectations

· Understand that work is seasonal and be able to budget for those times

What is the length of our Heavy Equipment Operator Apprenticeship?

The program is 6000 hours in length and lasts 4 years. Because this work is seasonal and dependent on the weather, work placement cannot be guaranteed. 

What else should a future Apprentice know?

Be aware that work sites can be a considerable distance from home. Candidates will need a valid drivers license and have reliable transportation to travel to the classroom and worksites. A responsible attitude and good work ethic are needed to be successful.

What is the compensation for an Apprentice?

The Apprentice wage rate increases are based on a successfully completed year of training. 

What happens after completing the Apprenticeship program?

Once an Apprentice completes the program, the apprentice becomes a Journey-Level Operating Engineer and continues as a member of our union. All are encouraged to further their education throughout their careers by attending additional classes offered by the IUOE Local 15 Training Fund. 

The Union Difference

Union members work together to negotiate and enforce a contract with management that guarantees the things you care about like decent raises, affordable health care, job security, and a stable schedule.