Operating Engineers
Operating Engineers
Operating engineers operate and maintain heavy construction equipment such as cranes, backhoes, loaders, scrapers and bulldozers for use in the construction of buildings, factories, roads, dams, power plants and bridges.
An operating engineer operates and maintains various types of power-driven construction machines, such as bulldozers, cranes, pile drivers, power shovels, derricks, earth grinders, and tractors that dig, scrape and move great amounts of earth or hoist large quantities of building supplies. Some machines require the operator 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. An operating engineer may also be required to service machines and move the machine from one construction site to another.
Working conditions
The laborer is required to work under undesirable and sometimes hazardous conditions such as extreme heights, and also depths hundreds of feet underground on subways, tunnels and storage reservoirs. He or she must be in good physical condition to perform the work of the trade, take pride in performance, realize his or her responsibilities to fellow workers and employer, and have a broad knowledge of safety to protect self and co-workers. Persons wishing to enter this trade should have some knowledge of general math, mechanical drawing, blueprint reading, welding, cutting, and burning. He or she must accept working outside, sometimes under unpleasant weather conditions.
General qualifications
- Age – minimum age is 18.
- Education – minimum of two years high school.
- Good physical condition – Must be able to perform the work of the trade.
- American citizenship or in the process of naturalization.
Admission Requirements
- Birth certificate or other proof of age.
- Transcripts (high school).
- Physical examination given by applicant’s own physician.
- Resident of program’s jurisdictional area.
- Personal interview.
- $25 processing fee (money order only).
Terms of apprenticeship training
- Length of program – 4 years.
- Related training – minimum of 144 hours of annual classroom instruction.
Recommended high school courses
- General math.
How do I enroll?
First, you need to complete an application by applying online or applying at one of our training facilities. Applicants are required to meet the following entry-level requirements:
- 18 years old.
- High school diploma or High School Equivalency Diploma (formerly GED).
- Valid Indiana driver’s license.
- Reliable transportation.
- Pass a drug screen.
Once you have completed your application, you will be contacted at a later date for testing and an interview.
Contact Us
Central Indiana
2122 Dr. Martin Luther King St.
Indianapolis, IN 46202
(317) 639-4661
Northern Indiana
3101 Broadway
Gary, IN 46409