Operating Engineer

Operating Engineers Training Center
75 Highway F,  Silex, Missouri  63377
(573) 485-2200    FAX (573) 485-2240

Steps to Apprenticeship

Apply at the following locations:

Silex  - Local No. 513 Operating Engineers Training
Center, Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 3:00pm  (click here for directions.)

Requirements to apply:

	Must be 18 years old
	Must attend 5 days of pre-apprenticeship classes when scheduled. Applicants are scheduled in order of application.

Pre-apprenticeship class is generally conducted in the fall, or winter, at the Program's facilities in Lincoln County, MO, however, classes may be scheduled at other times, if needed. No housing is provided during pre-apprenticeship class. Applicants who satisfactorily complete pre-apprenticeship classes will be eligible for  apprenticeship, in order by application number. When there is a need for a new class, which is determined by the Apprenticeship Committee, the class will be selected with the first eligible applicant.

	All applicants selected for apprenticeship will be required to take a drug test. Those who test positive will not be accepted, & must wait one year from the date of the drug test to re-apply.
	An apprentice Agreement is then signed  with a fee of $50. The apprentice then attends 4 weeks of training. If the apprentice passes all performance tests the individual is then eligible for union membership and will report to the hall for job placement.
	Apprentice reports to job. There is a 300 hour a year on-the-job  minimum to remain in the apprentice program.
	Engineer apprentices must attend a minimum of 5 weeks of scheduled training each year. Scheduled training consists of about 10% classroom study & 90% "in the seat" field experience, learning to understand and operate equipment used by operating engineers.  Each skill is tested with a performance evaluation before the apprentice can continue.

Apprentices do not receive pay for the time they are attending scheduled training.  Apprentices must be available for work in the trade when not scheduled for training.

Apprentice Pay on the Job

1st Year	55% of the rate for the 2 drum hoist operator
2nd Year	65% of the rate for the 2 drum hoist operator
3rd Year	80% of the rate for the 2 drum hoist operator

Apprentice pay ranges from $12.00 to more than $18.00 per hour plus benefits.

Costs

There is no cost to an apprentice except for monthly union dues and initiation fees.