Education & Training

This 3-day class combines classroom and hands-on training. Members who satisfactory complete this class will receive certification in refrigerant recycling and service procedures. This class is intended for experienced mechanics only.

The Apprenticeship Program is not authorized to provide asbestos certification, but arrangements have been made with a 3rd party organization to conduct this training. Classes are normally held the first week of every month. Class and license fees will be reimbursed to those members who successfully complete. Contact the Apprenticeship Office for more information or to register.

The Apprenticeship Program has arranged for a 3rd party organization to conduct Asbestos Recertification training. The cost of the class will be paid by the Program. License fees will be reimbursed to those members who submit proof of payment and a copy of their license. Contact the Apprenticeship Office for more information or to register.

This 5-day class consists of both classroom and hands-on training. Members can pre-register for their choice of excavator, rubber-tire excavator backhoe, rubber-tire loader, dozer or backhoe and will be assigned to that machine for the length of the class. Changes an be made during the week as the availability of different machines permits. Contact the Apprenticeship Office at 724-668-2244 to register.

Members may be eligible for partial reimbursement upon successfully completing trade related classes taken at Career & Technology Centers or Community Colleges. Classes include Welding, Small Engine Repair, Diesel Engine Repair and Blueprint Reading. Those interested must notify the Apprenticeship Office and receive approval in advance.

Members who satisfactorily complete this class will receive certification to conduct PA State Vehicle Safety Inspections on Class 1 automobiles and Class 3 trucks (includes tractor-trailers). Class A or B CDL needed for Class 3 Inspection Certification. This class is intended for experienced mechanics only. A 5-year recertification requirement is now in effect. Those currently holding certification will be notified by the State and given a time frame in which to pass an online recertification test. Study guides are available online.

The Apprenticeship Program is an authorized 3rd Party CDL Test Site. Training and testing or testing only is available. Study guides are also available for the Knowledge tests. The DOT requires those with a permit to wait 15 days from the issue date before taking the Skills (driving) portion of the test.

Beginning February 7, 2022, compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA's) Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) rule will be required for any individual who wants to:
---Obtain a Commercial Driver's License for the first time; or
---Upgrade an existing Class B CDL to a Class A CDL
Under the FMCSA requirements, an entry-level driver must successfully complete a prescribed program of theory and behind-the-wheel instruction before taking the CDL skills test.

Contact the Apprenticeship Office for more information.

8-Hour CPR/1ST AID Certification Class which meets the CPR/1ST AID requirement contained in Article XIII of the Heavy Agreement. As class size permits, spouses of members may attend for a $25.00 fee which covers certification costs.

The program will soon offer a combination of classroom and hands on training in the set-up and use of Load Moment Indicators (LMI) for cranes.

This 5-day class combines both classroom and hands-on training. In addition to basic operating techniques, safety, set-up, signaling and basic load chart interpretation will be covered. Class size is limited.

OSHA requires certification of all forklift operators. This 1-day class includes the required classroom and hands-on instruction in the safe operation of forklifts. Cards will be issued by the Apprenticeship Program for those successfully completing. All classes are held at the Training Site in New Alexandria, PA unless otherwise noted. A 3-year recertification is required to maintain certification and can be obtained by attending any of the initial certification classes.

This 5-day class utilizes classroom and hands-on training in the use of GPS-equipped Dozers, Graders and Excavators. The class features TOPCON and Trimble systems. Members interested in attending this class must have previous experience operating Dozers, Graders or Excavators.

Required annual recertification of the Hazardous Waste Operations & Emergency Response Course (HAZWOPER) for those performing work on recognized hazardous waste sites. The annual refresher must be taken no later than 1 year from the end of the month in which the last annual or 40-hour class was taken. If the annual class is not taken by that deadline, the full initial class must be re-taken in order to receive certification. Pre-Requisite: 40-Hour HAZMAT Certification.

Required Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Course (HAZWOPER) for those performing work on recognized hazardous waste sites. Includes both classroom and hands-on instruction on safety and health issues relating to hazardous waste sites. An 8-hour annual refresher is required. The annual refresher must be taken no later than 1 year from the end of the month in which the last annual or 40-hour class was taken. If the annual class is not taken by that deadline, the full initial class must be re-taken in order to receive certification.

These 2-week classes combine classroom and hands-on training in the set-up and operation of Horizontal Directional Drills. Includes instruction in the use of the locator and mud system.

Hydro Vac Trucks are becoming common on most construction and pipeline projects. This 5-day class combines classroom and hands-on training in the operation, safety, and maintenance of a Hydro Vac Truck.

All construction workers on UPMC projects are now required to complete Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) training. While requirements call for Operating Engineers to complete an 8-hour ICRA training class, supervisory personnel and some other trades may be required to complete 24-hours of ICRA training. Three ICRA classes are scheduled.

The IUOE is now offering General Membership Training Classes at the International Training & Education Center (ITEC) in Crosby, Texas to qualified members. Prior experience and/or prerequisites may be needed in order to apply for intermediate and advanced classes. The IUOE has recently implemented their new International Training Registration System (ITRS) online registration process that members must use to apply for the IUOE’s classes. That system can be accessed at https://www.iuoe-itrs.org or on the IUOE’s website, https://www.iuoe.org. In addition, members can find out more about ITEC and watch a video. Contact the Apprenticeship Office for more information about the IUOE classes or for help with the registration process.
For members accepted into classes held at ITEC, the IUOE will arrange and pay for the following:
• Air travel to and from Houston
• Shuttle service to and from the airport in Houston to ITEC
• A single occupancy dorm room and 3 meals per day at ITEC

The IUOE is now offering Pipeline Training Classes at the International Training & Education Center (ITEC) in Crosby, Texas and at other locations to qualified members. Prior experience and/or prerequisites may be needed in order to apply for intermediate and advanced classes. The IUOE has recently implemented their new International Training Registration System (ITRS) online registration process that members must use to apply for the IUOE’s classes. That system can be accessed at https://www.iuoe-itrs.org or on the IUOE’s website, https://www.iuoe.org. In addition, members can find out more about ITEC and watch a video. Contact the Apprenticeship Office for more information about the IUOE classes or for help with the registration process.
For members accepted into classes held at ITEC, the IUOE will arrange and pay for the following:
• Air travel to and from Houston
• Shuttle service to and from the airport in Houston to ITEC
• A single occupancy dorm room and 3 meals per day at ITEC

The Training Site is open throughout the year for journeyman upgrading as scheduling permits. Testing can be scheduled for those who wish to move from the C or D group to the B group on the referral list.

This 8-Hour annual refresher class is needed to maintain MSHA certification for working on mine and quarry sites. The annual class must be taken no later than 1 year from the end of the month of the most recent annual or 24-hour New Miner Training. Pre-requisite: MSHA 24-Hour New Miner Training Class. If the Annual Refresher class is not taken by that deadline, the full initial class must be re-taken in order to receive certification.

This class is required for those working on construction projects located on quarry sites or mine sites. An Annual 8-Hour Refresher Class is also required to stay current. The annual class must be taken no later than 1 year from the end of the month of the most recent annual or 24-hour New Miner Training. If the annual class is not taken by that deadline, the full initial class must be re-taken in order to receive certification.

A certificate is issued by CCO for those individuals who successfully complete both the Written and Practical tests on up to 4 different categories of cranes. In recent years there has been a significant increase of the CCO being required of crane operators on certain projects. The requirement for at least 1000 hours of crane related experience has been removed. Crane Safety classes are available to members prior to the Written test. Scheduling for the Practical portion of the test at the Training Site can be arranged for those members who pass the written test. Reimbursement is available, up to a maximum of $540.00, for members who successfully receive certification and who work under a contract that provides for contributions to the Apprenticeship Program.
Recertification is required every 5 years to retain the CCO certification. In most cases this only requires passing of the Written Tests for those who have previously passed the Practical Tests. Crane Safety classes are also available prior to the test for those taking the recertification. Reimbursement is available, up to a maximum of $360.00, for members who successfully recertify and who work under a contract that provides for contributions to the Apprenticeship Program.
NEW CHANGE:
Effective with all NCCCO paper/pencil written exams administered on or after February 1, 2021, NCCCO is requiring all candidate applications to be submitted online using the NCCCO website (www.nccco.org/applyPPT). Candidates must provide their contact information, identify the exams they are registering for, and provide payment during the application process. Candidates will also need to have identified the test site at which they plan to test and provide those details, similar to the current paper application. The test site information and other required information will be provided to the members by the Apprenticeship Office. Questions from written test candidates can be directed to candidate@nccco.org; or to the Apprenticeship Office.
Please contact the Apprenticeship Office to begin the registration process.

CCO Certification is now available for Overhead Cranes. A certificate is issued by CCO for those individuals who successfully complete both the Written and Practical Tests for Overhead Cranes. Overhead Crane Safety Classes are available to members during the week prior to the Written Test. Practical testing is now available at the Training Site. Test fees of up to $240.00 will be reimbursed to members who successfully receive certification and who work under a contract that provides for contributions to the Apprenticeship Program.
Recertification is required every 5 years to retain the CCO certification. In most cases this only requires passing of the Written Test. Reimbursement of recertification testing fees of up to $180.00 is available to members who successfully recertify and who work under a contract that provides for contributions to the Apprenticeship Program.

NEW CHANGE:
Effective with all NCCCO paper/pencil written exams administered on or after February 1, 2021, NCCCO is requiring all candidate applications to be submitted online using the NCCCO website (www.nccco.org/applyPPT). Candidates must provide their contact information, identify the exams they are registering for, and provide payment during the application process. Candidates will also need to have identified the test site at which they plan to test and provide those details, similar to the current paper application. The test site information and other required information will be provided to the members by the Apprenticeship Office. Questions from written test candidates can be directed to candidate@nccco.org; or to the Apprenticeship Office. Please contact the Apprenticeship Office to begin the registration process.

CCO Certification is now available for Tower Cranes. A certificate is issued by CCO for those individuals who successfully complete both the Written and Practical Tests for Tower Cranes. 4-Hour Tower Crane Safety Classes are available to members during the week prior to the Written Test. Practical testing for tower cranes is available at the Training Site. Testing fees of up to $240.00 will be reimbursed to members who successfully receive certification and who work under a contract that provides for contributions to the Apprenticeship Program.
Recertification is required every 5 years to retain the CCO certification. In most cases this only requires passing of the Written Test. Reimbursement of recertification testing fees of up to $180.00 is available to members who successfully recertify and who work under a contract that provides for contributions to the Apprenticeship Program.

NEW CHANGE:
Effective with all NCCCO paper/pencil written exams administered on or after February 1, 2021, NCCCO is requiring all candidate applications to be submitted online using the NCCCO website (www.nccco.org/applyPPT). Candidates must provide their contact information, identify the exams they are registering for, and provide payment during the application process. Candidates will also need to have identified the test site at which they plan to test and provide those details, similar to the current paper application. The test site information and other required information will be provided to the members by the Apprenticeship Office. Questions from written test candidates can be directed to candidate@nccco.org; or to the Apprenticeship Office. Please contact the Apprenticeship Office to begin the registration process.

CCO Signalperson, Rigger Level I and Rigger Level II certifications will once again be made available through the Apprenticeship Program. The decision to offer this certification is due in part to the requirement of some contractors and project owners that all crane operators possess this certification. Reimbursement up to $170.00 is available for members who receive new certifications for each Signalperson, Rigger I, and Rigger II certifications and up to $85.00 for re-certification. Please contact the Apprenticeship office at 724-668-2244 to begin the registration process.

Note: CCO is requiring that all written test registrations must be performed online, similar to the process mentioned previously to register for CCO crane certification tests.

DOT regulations require operators employed in either gas transmission or distribution work to be evaluated on the covered tasks relating to this industry. This class is not a test of operating ability but instead covers hazard recognition. This 8-hour Operator Qualification class may be required for employment on Sunoco’s Mariner East 2 pipeline project. It is important for members to obtain this qualification as work in this segment of the industry is expected to continue as gas is extracted from the Marcellus and Utica Shale formations. Contact the Apprenticeship Office to apply for these classes.

ONLINE COURSE: This course covers the information you need to help obtain crane operators certification as required by recent mandates. Contains material related to mobile cranes, tower cranes and overhead cranes.
To access this material go to:
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This course covers basic construction safety regulations specific to Operating Engineers. This class is required for employment on many construction projects. OSHA now requires this class to be conducted over a minimum of 2 days. This class is required for employment with Constructors Association of Western PA contractors and under the Building Agreement. This class also meets the requirements of the Ohio Contractors Association but must be renewed every 3 years to comply with their specifications.

The IUOE and OSHA have developed this course in worker protection for those involved in rescue, recovery and clean-up operations resulting from man-made or natural disasters. Pre-requisite: OSHA Construction Outreach.

A basic orientation and awareness course that covers the general safety and health issues in the oil and gas industry such as confined space, fall protection and electrical safety among many others. This orientation has become the standard awareness course for the oil and gas industry. After successful completion of the course, students are issued a picture ID card.

This class is available to all members interested in gaining knowledge of the responsibilities of a Pipeline Steward. Discussion will also include general Pipeline issues and upcoming projects. Class length is approximately 4 hours.

Recent OSHA standards require the qualification of crane riggers. This course is recommended for anyone that may rig loads for crane lifts. Successful completion of both a Written Test and Practical Test is required and are conducted on the same day. This is a qualification course and not a CCO certification course. No fee is required.

Due to new OSHA standards requiring qualification of signalers the Program is offering Signalperson qualification. This course is recommended for anyone that may signal cranes. Successful completion of both a Written Test and Practical Test is required and are conducted on the same day. This is a qualification course and not a CCO certification course. No fee is required.

This 40-hour course is an introduction to gas and electric welding and cutting. The course will include both classroom and hands-on training.