Training and Apprenticeships

Basic Information

• Apprenticeship Minimum Qualifications: You must be least 18 years old. Current valid Washington driver’s license with dependable transportation. High school diploma or GED; waiver can be granted if special conditions are met. Applicants for the Mechanics program must have 2 years of vocational training in diesel mechanics or equivalent work experience. Score 80% or higher on a math and reading test administered by the program. Physical capable to do the work of the trade. Able to speak and write in the English language.
• Apprentice Programs offered: Construction Equipment Operator (CEO); Heavy Duty Repairperson (HDR); Hoisting Engineer (HE) Grade Technician (GT)
• Apply online using application at www.oetraining.com
• Recently released from active military service? Check out our Helmets to Hardhats Program
  
  

Operating Engineers Regional Training Program

16921 Vantage Highway, Ellensburg, WA  98926

Telephone:  (509) 968-3203 - Fax:  (509) 968-4422

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

As you know there is a new law that comes into effect January 2010 that requires all crane operators to be certified. We know that there are a number of members who have crane on their work qualifications card that have not been certified. We have scheduled ongoing training through the summer and into the fall. As long as demand dictates we will continue extensive crane training in addition to NCCCO testing. These classes are very popular and have a tendency to fill up quickly. The crane training courses are designed for beginner all the way to expert crane operator. I don’t know where you stand but now is the time to get on the list for training and/or NCCCO testing. Most experienced and qualified crane operators choose the CCO refresher class. This is a short class, one week before the actual written exam. The instructor will review ANSI & ASME, B30.5 standards and additional rules and regulations as they apply to crane operators. In addition, the class also reviews correct load chart interpretation as it applies to the CCO exams. If you feel (as many of us do) that your math skills may be a bit lacking, please let us know as we are scheduling for a basic math class as it relates to crane operators. The instructor will review math as it applies to load charts, rigging, and calculations used to determine weights.

I highly recommend that you get certified now and avoid the hassle of not being a certified crane operator when this law comes into affect. The certification process takes a lot of time to complete. People have to be scheduled at least one month in advance for the written exams to avoid a $50 late fee. The practical exams can be done here at the training site almost any time. Please call us and we will be happy to schedule your practical exam. There is no “grandfathering” or grace period. For additional information and study guides you can visit the CCO website at www.nccco.org.

At the outset, this certification can seem daunting but we will do everything we can to help walk you through it as painlessly as possible.
Also, be on the lookout for our 2010 Training Calendar which should be in the mail by the first of November. Please review the training schedule when you receive it and you may start registering for the 2010 classes starting December 1, 2009.

If you have any questions or want to talk about the certification or any other training issues, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 800.333.9752.

Duane Lee
Training Administrator
IUOE Locals 302/612