Heavy Machine Apprentice Program
The Local 49 Apprenticeship Program is a 4,000 hour program usually completed in 3 years. Along with the 4000 hours of on-the-job training you must also attend 288 hours of related training at the Training Center. The apprentice benefits not only from the training but also receives a fair wage as their skills increase along with a health welfare and pension plan.
Applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications when making application:
1. Possess a high school or a GED certificate of equivalency
2. Possess a valid driver’s license.
3. Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
4. Attend the orientation session in its entirety.
5. Receive a score of 70% on the Ramsey Corp. Job Skills Assessment.
6. Must be physically able to perform all duties of an Apprentice Operating Engineer.
7. It is the responsibility of a qualified applicant to seek and find their own employment. Applicants must present a letter from a participating employer (on company letterhead) stating that the employer “intends to hire” the applicant as an Operating Engineer Apprentice.
8. After satisfying the above requirements, the apprentice candidate must successfully complete the pre- placement training.
Due to the nature of the occupation and differing geographical work sites, individuals making application for this program must have their own personal means of reliable transportation.
On the job training
The total time spent in the program will ultimately be based on the apprentice's ability to comprehend various subjects and apply them to various tasks. The minimum time spent in the Heavy Equipment Operator Apprenticeship Program (Highway Heavy) shall be 4000 hours. (minus previous experience) A person who is unable to achieve the goals set forth in the training outline will be offered remedial help. However, if a person is unable to comprehend the subjects after additional time is given or fails to comply with the standards of Apprenticeship, they will be removed from the program. An Apprentice indentured under these standards will be subject to a probationary period of not more than 500 hours of employment. For every 2000 hours of on the job experience, an Apprentice is required to receive a minimum of 144 hours of related instruction from the training program.
