FAQs

The Program has an Accelerated Advancement Procedure for those apprentices who demonstrate an outstanding skill and knowledge of the trade. Apprentices who qualify can be advanced in status up to and including that of journeyworker.

Yes. Public transportation is seldom available or suitable because of job location and varied working hours.

Up to 45 college credits may be awarded by a local community college to those who successully complete the Operators program.

Applications for pickup will be available the following dates or online at wpaoperators.org.
October 30, 2023 – November 3, 2023
November 6, 2023 – November 10, 2023
November 13, 2023 – November 17, 2023
November 20, 2023 – November 24, 2023
November 27, 2023 – December 1, 2023
December 4, 2023 – December 8, 2023

Yes. Continuing education and certification classes are available to eligible journeyworkers on an on-going basis. Also, the Program offers training on new technology that comes into the industry.

Due to the attractive wage and benefit package that is available, there is an opportunity for a possible life-long career. Many members of the Operating Engineers are at this moment enjoying a comfortable retirement. But, just like any other career, you get out of it what you put into it.

Those who have the desire and ambition can succeed due to the structured training available through this Program. Many people who had little or no experience before entering this Program have gone on to be very successful members of the Operating Engineers.

This Program has been registered with the Department of Labor's Office of Apprenticeship and Training and with the PA State Apprenticeship and Training Council since 1964. Local #66 of the International Union of Operating Engineers was established in 1901 and has over 7,000 members. Both have a long history of providing and maintaining a skilled workforce.

Between 1200 to 1400 hours per year for Operators and between 1600 to 2000 hours per year for Mechanic Technicians.

Yes. All applicants to this Program are treated equally. There are many women currently enrolled in this Program and also many women who have graduated and have successful careers as Operating Engineers. Be sure to watch the Groundbreaking Women of the IUOE video located on the Home page. Also check the Program's EEO page for more information.

Yes. Drug use is not tolerated in the construction industry where safety is a life and death issue.

Apprentices are selected by means of written testing and interviews.

This Program is funded through a negotiated agreement between Local Union #66 of the International Union of Operating Engineers and various employers and employer associations in order to provide a skilled workforce. The average cost to the Program to graduate just one apprentice is $45,000 although the costs to the apprentices are minimal: a $50.00 application fee, Union initiation fees and dues, and the cost of books used in classroom training. (Approximately $250.00 covers initiation and three months dues. Dues are about $17.00 per month thereafter. The cost of books used in classroom training are approximately $50.00 per year).

No. Wages are only paid during on-the-job training. Apprentices may be eligible for Unemployment Compensation benefits from the state while participating in required training at the Training Site.

The course is a minimum of 4 years. At least 5 weeks of instruction per year are required at the Training Site. The remainder of the year, Apprentices are available for employment with many union employers within the area. There is a minimum requirement for 4,000 hours of on-the-job training in the Operators Program and 6,000 hours of on-the-job training in the Mechanics Program before completing the program.

Yes. Through the negotiated labor/management agreement health insurance, pension and an annuity fund may be available.

Apprentices are paid at a slightly lower rate than Journeyworkers whose pay rate ranges from approximately $23.00 to $31.00 per hour. Pay rate for Operator Apprentices range from $18.00 to $29.00 per hour depending on the current year of apprenticeship, the class of machine being operated and/or the job classification.

The majority of Apprentice training costs are paid by the union members, employers and employer associations. Although this Program is tuition free, there are minimal costs involved such as a small application fee, the cost of books used in classroom training and union membership fees.

Heavy Equipment Mechanic Technicians play a vital role in the timely completion of construction projects by ensuring that all equipment in the fleet is in safe, top working condition. The work of a Heavy Equipment Mechanic Technician can be very demanding. Long hours of work in all types of weather may be required. But, those with a willingness to succeed can find themselves in a very rewarding life-long career.

1. Reside in one of the 33 counties of Western Pennsylvania or Columbiana, Mahoning or Trumbull counties of Ohio for a minimum of 6 months.
2. Be at least 18 years of age at the time of acceptance into the program.
3. Have a high school diploma or GED
4. Have a valid Pennsylvania or Ohio driver’s license
5. Have dependable transportation
6. Pass a Department of Transportation physical exam
7. Pass a drug test – Drug use is not tolerated in the construction industry where safety is a life and death issue

Operating Engineers are key employees on most construction sites. They are responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of the precise and expensive heavy construction equipment; such as cranes, backhoes, loaders, scrapers, bulldozers, rollers, etc. used in the construction of our buildings, factories, roads, dams, power plants, pipelines and bridges. Because this occupation takes you outside as opposed to the restricting environment of an indoor job, you must be comfortable working in a wide range of weather conditions.