Apprenticeship – Operating Engineer – Open Shop | Washington Career Paths

OPERATING ENGINEER

Open Shop

Operating engineers operate heavy construction equipment such as cranes, bulldozers, pavers, trench excavators and many other kinds of equipment used in constructing buildings, dams, airports and highways. They also work in the sand and gravel, cement and asphalt industries; in the shipyards; on the water with dredges, oil refineries, oil pipelines, sewer and water construction, ports of major cities, municipal work with cities and counties, landscaping, scrap metal work, and the forest products industry. Operating engineer apprentices can also work in the mechanical field as heavy-duty truck and equipment mechanics and in the field of technical engineer.

SELECT AN APPRENTICESHIP LOCATION

Construction Industry Training Council

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

Required Qualifications

18 years of age
Physically able
High School diploma/GED
Scheig Utility worker aptitude test
Current valid driver’s license

Step 2: Apply

Apply

Contact Bellevue Office to apply
Provide copy of DD-214, proof of education and age
Complete interview
* Veterans can apply through Helmets to Hardhats for fast-track to apprenticeship.
* Veterans may qualify for direct entry and immediate placement in ranked pool of eligible applicants

Applicant Pool

Placed in pool of eligible applicants
Ranked based on interview
Offered employment based on rank order

Step 3: Start

Apprenticeship

6,000 hours / 3 years on-the-job training
Minimum of 160 hours of education each year through training facility or local college

Wages

Start at 65% of current journeyperson’s rate.
Gain 5-10% pay increase after every 1,000 hours of on-the-job training (approx. 6 months) plus required schooling.
Full 100% journeyperson’s pay after completing the program.

Starting Hourly Base Rate:
1. Minimum Base Rate
Region 1A: Western WA     $19.56
Region 1B: Western WA     $17.71
Region 2: Eastern WA      $16.03
Region 3: Southern WA   $16.03
Region 4: Central WA $16.03
Map of regions here
2. Plus GI Bill® Housing Allowance
Housing allowance can be found using the GI Bill® Comparison Tool

SEARCH SCHOOL NAME: CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TNG COUNCIL

Inland Northwest AGC Apprenticeship

Region Covered

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

Required Qualifications

18 years of age
High School diploma/GED
Physically able
Current valid driver’s license
Dependable transportation
Pass drug screen test

Step 2: Apply

Apply

Submit application to training facility weekdays 0930-1500
Provide copy of DD-214, proof of education, driver’s license, and I-9 Documents
Complete interview
* Veterans can apply through Helmets to Hardhats for fast-track to apprenticeship.

Applicant Pool

Placed in pool of eligible applicants
Ranked based on application and interview
Placed on ready-to-dispatch list
Complete 40-hour Safety & Orientation Training Class

Step 3: Start

Apprenticeship

6,000 hours / 3 years on-the-job training
Minimum of 160 hours of education each year through Training Facility and

Wages

Start at 65% of current journeyperson’s rate.
Gain 5% pay increase after every 1,000 hours of on-the-job training (approx. 6 months) plus required schooling.
Full 100% journeyperson’s pay after completing the program.

Starting Hourly Pay:
$17.02 + Benefits + Optional Housing Allowance
Housing allowance can be found using the GI Bill® Comparison Tool

SEARCH SCHOOL NAME: INLAND NORTHWEST ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS OF AMERICA

NW College of Construction

Region Covered

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

Required Qualifications

18 years of age
High School diploma/GED
Pass drug screen test
May be required to possess valid driver’s license

Step 2: Apply

Apply

Apply at onine during posted openings
Provide copy of DD-214, proof of education and age, and any supporting documents including work history and certifications
Submit documentation to apply@nwcoc.com
Complete an interview with the committee
Complete Orientation and Safety Training

Applicant Pool

Placed in pool of eligible applicants
Ranked based on interview, experience, and training
Placed on ready-to-dispatch list

Step 3: Start

Apprenticeship

8,000 hours / 4 years on-the-job training
Minimum of 144 hours of education each year at Training Facility

Wages

Start at 80% of current journeyperson’s rate.
Gain 5% pay increase after every 2,000 hours of on-the-job training (approx. 12 months) plus required schooling.
Full 100% journeyperson’s pay after completing the program.

Starting Hourly Pay:
$24.00 + Benefits + Optional Housing Allowance
Housing allowance can be found using the GI Bill® Comparison Tool

SEARCH SCHOOL NAME: OREGON COLUMBIA HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS JATC

Calculate Starting Pay With GI Bill ®

Estimated Wage Calculator

All calculations based on a 120 hours/month work schedule.[CP_CALCULATED_FIELDS id="6"]

*Contact union local for updated wage information.

GI Bill Usage Breakdown:
100% - 1-6 months
80% - 6-12 months
60% - 12-18 months
40% - 18-24 months
20% - 24-30 months
*Usage Optional

Eligible veterans in an approved Apprenticeship Program can use their GI Bill® benefit and receive a tax-free stipend on a monthly basis. The Post 9/11 GI Bill® stipend is the equivalent of the Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) of an E-5 with dependents (based on the zip code of the training facility) which is paid addition to normal wages. Refer to the chart below to understand how Post 9/11 GI Bill® benefits are paid, or consult the VA website www.benefits.va.gov/gibill (Link) to see how other VA chapters are paid for Apprenticeship Training.