International Union of Operating Engineers

Local #132 Apprenticeship & Training

 

 

WHAT THE OPERATING ENGINEER DOES:

        The men and women of the Operating Engineers operate and maintain various types of power-driven construction machines, such as bulldozers, cranes, pile drivers, power shovels, derricks, earth graders, loaders, and tractors which dig, scrape and move great amounts of earth or hoist large quantities of building supplies.  Some machines require the operators to turn valves, adjust hand wheels and press pedals to drive the machines and control the attachments.  Other machines, such as cranes, require the constant use of both hands and both feet.  Operating Engineers may also be required to service their machines and move the machine from one construction site to another.

 

 

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS:

AGE - Must be at least 18 years of age.

EDUCATION - High School graduate or GED

Must be physically capable of performing the work of the trade.

Must pass a test given by the WV Employment Security Office at or above 10th grade level.

Must be a resident of the state of West Virginia for at least one year prior to making application for apprenticeship.

Must have a valid WV Driver’s License

Must pass a drug test.

 

 

RECOMMENDED HIGH SCHOOL COURSES:

 

General Math

Algebra

Shop Courses (such as mechanics and welding)

Related work experiences are helpful

 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOINT APPRENTICESHIP COMMITTEE:

Transcripts of school records and a copy of High School Diploma or GED

Each applicant is required to provide the Joint Apprenticeship Committee with a copy of their birth certificate and valid West Virginia Driver’s license.

 

TERMS OF APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING

Length of Apprenticeship - 3 years

Five weeks of training are required each year at the Training Site located near Ravenswood, WV

1000 OJT hours are required each year to be advanced to the next year

Apprentices must be able to travel and be available to work throughout the state of West Virginia.  

Apprentices are not paid during training weeks or when they are on job layoff.  They are paid only when working on the job.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

 

Applications are taken through the West Virginia Employment Security Offices when we have apprenticeship openings (typically every two or three years). 

For further information you may contact us at

International Union of Operating Engineers

Local #132 Apprenticeship & Training

Rt. 2,  Box 137A

Ravenswood, WV  26164

304 273-4852

David W. Mullins, Apprenticeship & Training Director