Becoming an Operating Engineer
What does an Operating Engineer do?
- Cranes
- Dozers
- Scrapers
- Loaders
- Motor Graders
- Tractor Loader Backhoes
- Excavators
- Forklifts
- Rollers
- Pavers
- Crushing
- Screening and Washing Plants
- Asphalt Plants
- Concrete Plants and Mixers
- Compressors
Where do Operating Engineers work?
- Bridges
- Highway Construction
- Sports Stadiums
- Large Residential Buildings
- Commercial Buildings
- Dams
- Plants that produce rock, sand, & gravel
Am I Qualified?
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must have a valid driver’s license
- Must be of good physical condition to perform the work required
- Must have a sincere interest in the trade
What can I expect while training?
- Program requires 6,000 hours on the job
- You must pass an aptitude test
- Some travel may be required
- Must attend an orientation
- On-the-job Training with an experienced Journeyman
The Story of Big Step, Inc.
The Big-Step outreach program was established to acquaint individuals with employment and career opportunities in the skilled trades. Big-Step is a major assistance program to help applicants upgrade their math, science, and other academic skills for a successful career in construction.
The overall goal of Big-Step is to provide greater skills to individuals striving for a career in the skilled trades. The majority of participants will be placed into higher skilled/higher paying jobs and apprenticeship occupations, once training and work experience has been achieved.
BIG STEP HELPS:
- Recruit qualified individuals for apprenticeship training and careers.
- Provide needs assessment and identify deficiencies clients may have; develop a corresponding action plan.
- Provide apprenticeship test tutoring and other preparation services. Day and evening classes are available.
- Place clients into on-the-job training with the intention of leading to construction related apprenticeships.
- Place and assist clients into any classroom training necessary to prepare/place them into higher-paying employment opportunities.
- Provide case management services to assist candidates to become indentured apprentices and/or retain construction-related employment.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
BIG STEP
Earl Buford, Executive Director
3841 West Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53208
(414) 342-9787
