WISCONSIN OPERATING ENGINEERS
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
Earn while you learn. Learn from the best.
Start your career today!
A four year apprenticeship program with Wisconsin Operating Engineers prepares you for a rewarding career working with respected contractors throughout the State of Wisconsin. The best part of apprenticeship is that you EARN while you LEARN! The state-of-the-art training center in Coloma Wisconsin is the only one with an indoor facility to train year-round.
THE CLEAR ADVANTAGE
WISCONSIN OPERATING ENGINEERS APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
ASSOCIATED TRAINING
SERVICES (ATS)
average hourly pay upon completion of program
(exclusive of benefits)
$29
$153
Tuition
Charged
$1,850
$16,4951
total cost of the program charged to the student
$1,850
Students are paid an additional 10% on their wages to cover this cost & end up with approx. $22,000 surplus.
$31,745
(approx.)
Unless government subsidies used.
HOURS/WEEKS INSTRUCTION
10 WEEKS
(approx. 400 hours)
7 Weeks
(approx. 300 hours)
On-the-job
Training Hours
6,000+ hrs
Student receives hourly wage of 70-90% of full journeyman during 4 years of apprenticeship program.
NONE
Private Dollars Contributed
Balance of the apprenticeship program is paid for by the skill trust fund, which is funded with member-directed contributions from journeymen.
NONE
Taxpayer subsidies up to full cost of the program
NONE
- Cost of the 7 week Combination Program – Heavy Equipment Training Program I and II + Rig/Sig from the State of Wisconsin Education Approval Program website, https://dspseap.wi.gov/search/viewschool
- Government subsidies listed on ATS’s website, https://www.operator-school.com/financial_assistance.php.
- Starting wage reported by ATS Career Services, https://www.operator-school.com/faq.php.
- First year journeymen, i.e., after completing the 4-year apprentice program, make an average of $41/hr., exclusive of pension and health benefits.
Qualifications
- Be 18 years of age
- Have a high school diploma, G.E.D. or high school equivalency diploma
- Pass the Job Skills test with a score of 70 or better
- Physically able to meet the physical requirements of the job, which includes working in a variety of weather conditions and confined areas
- Valid driver’s license or reliable transportation
- U.S. Citizen or proof of legal residency
- Pass substance abuse screening
ATTEND A SESSION
- Applications are only available during information sessions.
- Advanced registration is not required.
- Information sessions are held monthly.
- Each session starts promptly at 9:00 am.
- No one will be admitted after 9:00 am.
- Visit 139trainingcenter.org for a schedule of information session and additional details
- Information sessions are held at the Wisconsin Operating Engineers Training Center.
OBTAIN EMPLOYEMENT
- Upon completion of application process, you will obtain a ‘letter of eligibility’ and a list of prospective employers.
- Take ‘letter of eligibility’ to employers and secure employment as an Operating Engineer
GET TRAINED
- Training is held October-May at the Coloma Training Center as one and two week classes
- Complete 160 hours of related instruction per year
Required 1st Year Courses (160 hours)
- Construction Regulations (40 Hours)
- Hazmat (40 Hours)
- Intro and Applied Basic Equipment (80 Hours)
Required 2nd Year Courses (160 hours)
- Basic Grade (40 Hours)
- Basic Maintenance (40 Hours)
- Choice of Basic Excavating, Heavy Highway or Basic/Telescopic Crane (80 Hours)
Required 3rd Year Courses (80 hours)
- 80 Hour Elective
- Any course totaling 80 hours
- Dozer, Lattice Crane, Advanced Grade, Load Charts, Welding, CDL, Etc.
START A SUCCESSFUL
CAREER NOW!
Building Wisconsin Together® is a cooperative effort by Construction Business Group®, Wisconsin’s Operating Engineers and construction contractors to positively promote educational opportunities in the construction industry and the positive impact that construction has on the State of Wisconsin. When skilled trades and respected construction contractors come together, jobs are created and a promising future becomes a reality.
