As a heavy equipment mechanic or technician, you will enjoy a positive job outlook, competitive wages and attractive fringe benefits. A commonly overlooked benefit of this career is the prestige of working on machines that most people can only admire from the side of the road. Mechanics have an important level of responsibility to get the repair made and the equipment up and running regardless of the conditions and environment. They are highly respected and the work is lucrative because of the complexity of the systems employed on today's heavy equipment and the training required to stay up to date with technological advancements. It is common place to work in one shop and travel requirements are limited, however, you may be asked to travel around the state as job requires it and at times work overnight if a machine is down. History has proven that apprentices who have a strong work ethic and are willing to learn and apply themselves have the chance for a long and successful career.
Pre-apprentice training is available to those individuals who qualify following an extensive interview process. The pre-apprentice training is free of charge to those who have qualified and are invited to attend. Pre-apprentices will complete 240 hours of training on top of attending night classes and weekends to prepare for employment.
After you complete pre-apprenticeship training, the best way to learn skills is to do the work of a mechanic. Our mechanic apprentices are placed with an employer where they learn from skilled journey worker mechanics. Each apprentice accumulates 8,000 hours of combined on-the-job training and classroom training over a period of four years. Apprentice wages start at approximately $25+ with 26+ in benefits package.
As an apprentice mechanic, your on- the-job training will be supplemented with mandatory related training in general shop procedures, troubleshooting, disassembly and assembly practices of diesel engines, power trains, hydraulic, electrical and electronic systems. In addition you will receive instruction in advanced concepts of diagnostics, failure analysis and welding. This training all takes place at our Meriden training facility and by staff who they themselves are masters of there craft.
The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 478 Apprenticeship Training and Skill Improvement Fund is taking applications in 2023 for a limited number of apprentices. The training is intended for individuals interested in becoming a Heavy Equipment Operator or Heavy Equipment Mechanic.
Applications will be available on the following dates and times:
Applicants Must:
The IUOE Local 478 Training Fund adheres to the Equal Employment Opportunity Principles. Veterans are encouraged to apply. For additional information visit our website at www.local478.org or call 1-800-841-0478