Operating Engineer
The Operating Engineers Union is made up of several different career path divisions like Heavy Equipment Operator, Heavy Equipment Technician, Geothermal & Well Driller, and Construction & Building Inspector.
At least 18 years old
High School Diploma or G.E.D.
Birth Certificate
Valid Driver’s License
Reliable Transportation
Pass an Aptitude Test
Physically Fit to Perform the Work
Pass a Urine Drug Test
Read, Write & Speak in English
If applicable: Military Training Certifications (DD-214)
If applicable: Welding Certifications
Must be a resident of Local 150’s jurisdictional area
Complete specific division application
$25 application fee
Pass a physical assessment
Attend a 5-day evaluation of classroom and hands-on training
Pass interview for entry
After being accepted, wait to be called by dispatch
Heavy Equipment Operators work on projects in highway and building construction, mining, tollways, municipalities, tunnels, landscaping, power plants, refineries, railroads, and utility work such as gas, water, and sewer excavation. They operate equipment like cranes, bulldozers, front-end loaders, rollers, hoists, drills, and more.
Local 150 Training Center
19800 W South Arsenal Rd
Wilmington, IL 60481
Minimum of 240 hours of Classroom training per year.
6,000 hours of PAID on-the-job training to complete program.
10% pay increase based on work hours, typically every year until Journeylevel.
Exact wages are determined by Equipment Certifications.
Heavy Equipment Technicians spend considerable time troubleshooting challenges, as they detect and fix issues with various machinery and equipment. Their crucial role ensures seamless project progress by repairing malfunctioned machinery and maintaining project timelines. Their expertise contributes to the productivity of construction projects.
Local 150 Training Center
19800 W South Arsenal Rd
Wilmington, IL 60481
Minimum of 862 hours of Classroom training and 192 field hours.
Minimum of 8,000 hours of PAID on-the-job training to complete the program.
10% pay increase based on work hours, typically every year until Journeylevel.
Exact wages are determined by Equipment Certifications.
Entry Process Reminder
At least 17 years old
High School Diploma or G.E.D.
Birth Certificate
Valid Driver’s License
Reliable Transportation
Pass an Aptitude Test
Physically Fit to Perform the Work
Pass a Urine Drug Test
Read, Write & Speak in English
If applicable: Military Training Certifications (DD-214)
If applicable: Welding Certifications
Must be a resident of Local 150’s jurisdictional area
Complete specific division application
$25 Application fee
Pass a physical assessment
Attend a 5-day evaluation of classroom and hands-on training
Pass interview for entry
After being accepted, wait to be called by dispatch
Geothermal & Well Drilling is a rapidly growing section of the “Green” energy movement. This type of system involves the drilling of deep holes in the ground that pipes are installed into and fluid circulated to exchange heat with the ground. These tasks require highly skilled, properly trained workers to ensure the work is performed safely and efficiently while protecting our ground water resources.
Local 150 Training Center
19800 W South Arsenal Rd
Wilmington, IL 60481
Minimum of 144 hours of Classroom training per year.
6,000 hours of PAID on-the-job training to complete program.
10% pay increase based on work hours, typically every year until Journeylevel.
Construction Material Inspectors are highly trained and certified to provide testing and inspection services. They study the durability, strength, and characteristics of materials used to build structural elements. Inspections are performed on a wide variety of construction processes and materials to confirm compliance with applicable codes and/or project specifications.
Local 150 Training Center
19800 W South Arsenal Rd
Wilmington, IL 60481
Minimum of 144 hours of Classroom training per year.
6,000 hours of PAID on-the-job training to complete program.
10% pay increase based on work hours, typically every year until Journeylevel.
