Apprenticeship Directory
 A Directory to Apprenticeship Programs in the Illinois Valley

                                                                                         

OPERATING ENGINEER

Operating Engineers operate and maintain heavy  construction equipment such as cranes, compressors, and hoists.   They use this equipment to excavate, move or grade earth, erect structural  steel, and pour  concrete or other hard surface paving materials.
Length of Apprenticeship:
Four (4) Years (approximately) – Minimum of 6,000 hours on-the-job training

*Apprentices must complete 240 classroom hours. (80 hours of classroom instruction per year.) 
*Apprentices must receive 192 “hands-on training site” hours per year. 
*Apprentices must pass three performance tests.
*Must attend five (5) union meetings per year.

Wage Information:

6/1/02 6/1/03 6/1/04 6/1/05 6/1/06
First Year $16.35 $17.30 $18.25 $19.25 $20.30
Second Year $20.85 $22.05 $23.30 $24.55 $25.85
First Half of Third Year $24.05 $25.45 $26.85 $28.35 $29.85
Second Half of Third Year $25.65 $27.15 $28.65 $30.20 $31.80
First Half of Fourth Year $27.25 $28.85 $30.45 $32.10 $33.80
Second Half of Fourth Year $28.85 $30.50 $32.25 $34.00 $35.80

Scraper Scale:  $31.50 effective 6/1/02

(View current wage rates )

Benefits:
 Health and Welfare, Pension, Dental Insurance and Vacation Savings Plan.

Basic Requirements:
*Must be at least 18-years old
*Must have completed at least two years of high school or have a G.E.D. certificate.
*Must be a resident of Bureau, LaSalle, Livingston or Putnam Counties.
  NOTE:  Local 150’s jurisdiction includes areas in Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa.  For purposes of this book, all
  information pertains to the above-mentioned counties in Illinois.
*Must possess a valid drivers license.
*Must be physically able to perform the work of an Operating Engineer.

Working Conditions:
Operating Engineers work in all types of weather elements and the majority of work is performed outdoors.

Recommended Preparatory Classes:
Shop classes.

Abilities:
 *Must be able to lift heavy objects.
*Must be able to withstand extreme weather conditions.

Work Experience: (Helpful, but not necessary for acceptance.)
Any experience working with heavy equipment or as a laborer is helpful.

Entry Process:
*Complete and return application.  (Applications are available Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)
*Take and pass a  physical exam within 30 days of acceptance into the program.
*Must meet  basic requirements and pass an oral interview  at time of  five-day training site evaluation
*$25.00 application fee - Money order only!

Contact:
Operating Engineers Local 150 Apprenticeship & Skill Improvement Program
(815) 436-4150
20959 W. Lockport Rd.
Plainfield, IL 60544
Coordinator:
Roger Allen

 

Boilermaker  Bricklayer  Carpenter   Cement Mason  Electrician   Glazier  Heat & Frost Insulator
  Ironworker   Laborer  Millwright    Painter/Drywall Finisher/Glazier   Pipefitter  Plumber  
Sheet Metal Worker  Technical Engineer

 

The information on this website has been collected and prepared by the Illinois Valley Construction Industry Labor/Management Program.  Every effort has been made by the Program to assure the accuracy of  the data.  The Illinois Valley Construction  Industry  Labor/Management Program makes no endorsement or recommendation of any of the apprenticeship programs described on this website.  The information contained on this website may be reproduced with appropriate credit given to the Illinois Valley Construction Industry Labor/Management Program.  All rights reserved.