*Applications are available January - February.

The Western Pennsylvania Operating Engineers Joint Apprenticeship & Training Program is a four year on-the-job training program consisting of five to seven weeks each year of classroom and training site time.

Terms of Apprenticeship:
-Minimum accumulation of 4000 on-the-job training hours
-Apprentices will be paid at the negotiated apprenticeship rate for on-the-job training based on the class of machine being operated

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE PROGRAM INCLUDE:
1.   Be at least 18 at the time of acceptance into the Program.
2.   Reside in one of the 33 counties of Western Pennsylvania or Columbiana, Mahoning or Trumbull counties in Ohio.
3.   Have a high school diploma or GED.
4.   Have a valid drivers license.
5.   Submit a non-refundable fee of $25 with each application.
6.   Have dependable transportation.
7.   Pass a Department of Transportation physical exam.
8.   Pass a drug test - Drug use is not tolerated in the construction industry where safety is a life and death issue.

 The training site is located in New Alexandria, PA. They have 48 pieces of equipment, with a value of $1.9 million, and 137 acres of land available for instructional purposes. Overall, the Operating Engineers spend $1.5 million per year on their apprentices & journeymen.

Contact: Steve Columbus- Apprentice Administrator, Western PA Operating Engineers JATC, 107 Operators Way, West Alexandria, PA 15670 
Phone: (724) 668-2244
Website: www.wpaoperators.org

To learn more about the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to be an Operating Engineer, click here.