How to Become an Operating Engineer

Operating engineers are highly skilled professionals that operate heavy machinery on construction sites. An operating engineer is trained on how to operate cranes, pile drivers and drilling equipment. They also repair construction equipment when necessary. Follow these steps if you want to become an operating engineer.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Possess a high school diploma or equivalency certificate and be 18 years old or older at the time you apply for an apprenticeship as an operating engineer. Ensure that you have very good coordination before you decide to become an operating engineer, as being coordinated is essential.

2. Be alert and conscious of your environment. Operating engineers must always be able to work safely without direct supervision

3. Decide if you can handle a job that is predominately governed by the weather. Since operating engineers work outdoors you may be unemployed during the winter months.

4. Find an apprenticeship program in your area. Proper training is essential in becoming an operating engineer, apprenticeship programs allow you to get paid while you are training to become an operating engineer.

5. Prepare yourself for years of training. The operating engineer apprenticeship lasts between three to five years. After training you will become a journeyman and will be a fully qualified operating engineer.

Tips & Warnings

• Investigate your potential apprenticeship program thoroughly. Make sure that they are a qualified apprenticeship program and that they provide you with hazardous materials training. It's best to go through a union apprenticeship program for training.

Resources

• Visit the International Union of Operating Engineers.

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