The following is some general information regarding the Operating Engineers and Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentices that may be useful to anyone considering apprenticeship:

What is IUOE?
IUOE stands for the International Union of Operating Engineers which is a building and construction trades union that has represented Operating Engineers since 1896. IUOE Local 832 Apprentices become union members, upon successful completion of the program.

What is an Operating Engineer?
  An Operating Engineer is a person who works as a heavy equipment operator, mechanic, or surveyor. The Heavy Equipment Operator works on construction projects operating a variety of equipment such as bulldozer, loader, backhoe, earth roller, blacktop roller, fork-lift, crane, etc.

What does this Apprentice Recruitment mean?
The Apprentice Recruitment is a process of application and interview to select people interested in learning the trade of Operating Engineer.

What is an Operating Engineer Apprentice?
An Apprentice is an individual who has signed a legal apprenticeship agreement (indenture form) 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 New York State Department of Labor.

What is the length of the Engineers Joint Training Fund Heavy Equipment Operator Apprenticeship?
This training program is 4100 hours in length, but because the work is seasonal, an apprentice usually completes the training in 4 to 5 years. Because of the seasonal nature of the work, the weather can have an impact on work placement. Labor trends also impact work placement. Work can never be guaranteed.

What sort of person is an Operating Engineer?
An Operating Engineer is someone who likes to work outside and can tolerate all types of weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, mud, dust); someone who can work under conditions that may require sitting in the same position or in an awkward position for an indefinite period of time; be able to withstand strenuous work; someone who likes the challenge of hard work and the satisfaction of having been a part of a project such as creating a new road or building. An Operating Engineer has to be flexible with work days and hours. One job may require working six or even seven, ten-hour days while another may require four, ten-hour days rather than the usual eight-hour, five day-a-week job. Other jobs may last only a few days. Because the work schedule can be erratic and because the work is seasonal, the Operating Engineer must be financially able to budget for these situations. Many Operating Engineers have young children and are sure to have reliable child care as well as “back-up” child care.

What else should an applicant know about an Apprentice Operating Engineer?
Applicants should be aware that work sites may be considerable distances from home. An Apprentice should have a valid New York State Driver’s License and have access to reliable transportation to and from classes as well as to and from work sites. An apprentice should have a good work ethic and a responsible attitude since work is with expensive and potentially dangerous machines, with many different employers, and with members of many different crafts.

What type of clothing is worn by an Operating Engineer?
Work boots are required. Sneakers or other types of shoes are not acceptable. Shorts and tank tops are not acceptable. Acceptable kinds of clothing are jeans or other types of heavy pants, t-shirts, flannel shirts, etc. depending on the weather. A hard hat must be worn. Rain/foul weather gear may be provided by the employer or the Operating Engineer may have to provide them. Hearing protection should also be worn as well as other types of protective equipment as provided by the employer. Using sun block is also a good idea during the summer months.

What is the pay rate for an Apprentice?
The Apprentice wage rate increases for every 1000 hours of training. The IUOE Local 832 Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice starts at approximately $13.00 to $14.00 per work hour. Note, Apprentices are not paid while attending related training classes at the Engineers Joint Training Fund training site in Dansville, New York.

What happens after completing the Apprenticeship Program?
Once an Apprentice successfully completes the Apprenticeship Program, the Apprentice becomes a Journey-Level Operating Engineer and continues as a member of IUOE Local 832. All members are encouraged to continue their education throughout their careers by attending additional classes in safety and equipment operation offered by the Engineers Joint Training Fund.