The Apprenticeship Program
Please contact the Training Center at (715) 228-4911 for information on upcoming information sessions where you can learn about and apply to the apprenticeship program.
For a Job Description and the job outlook for an Operating Engineer – Check out the Department of Labor website. Apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job training and related instruction. The purpose of our program is to recruit and train people who are interested in a career operating and maintaining heavy equipment in the jurisdiction of Wisconsin.On-the-job Training
Apprentices are paid while learning new skills on the job. We call this EARN AS YOU LEARN. Apprentices work on the job with journeypersons or skilled workers in our trade. Each apprentice must work 6000 hours (approximately four years), and is paid a percentage of journey level wages. Apprentice wages start at approximately $26/hour with regular raises to approximately $34.53/hour. Journey level operators make around $38.37/hour depending on the contract.Related Training:
Apprentices are required to attend 400 hours of related training at the Wisconsin Operating Engineers Training Site located on 380 acres near Coloma, Wisconsin in Waushara County. All apprenticeship classes are accredited through Fox Valley Technical College.Basic Qualifications
| Minimum Age of 18 | |
| Valid Driver’s License (Copy required at time of Application) | |
| High School Diploma or GED (Transcripts O.K.) (Copy required at time of Application) Proof of Education must meet accreditation standards through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. |
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| Must complete a written Job Skills Test prior to acceptance into the apprenticeship program. (ACT, or Accuplacer scores meeting the prescribed minimum can be accepted in lieu of the Job Skills Test offered at our Training Center.) [$15.00 fee payable to WOE – Cash or Money Order – at the time of the test] |
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| ACT: Reading: 15 Arithmetic: 14 (Minimum score in both subjects are needed) OR Accuplacer: Reading: 55 Arithmetic: 35 (Minimum score in both subjects are needed) |
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| Must be able to meet the physical requirements of the job, which include working in a variety of weather conditions and confined areas with or without reasonable accommodation. |
Please read the following Operating Engineers Flyer (PDF) for more information on the apprenticeship program. Please see Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for other questions you may have. Special note on community-based organization job outreach programs: Please note that the TrANS program is now named Highway Construction Skills Training (HCST). This is a six week intensive training program that prepares workers for careers in the road construction industry. For more information on this, please visit their website at: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/doing-bus/civil-rights/labornwage/hcst.aspx
Information Required with Your Application
Applications are only available during Information Sessions at the Operating Engineers Training Center in Coloma, Wisconsin. Information sessions are offered to answer your questions.
Please Note: No one will be admitted after 9AM.
| Copy of High School diploma or GED (Transcripts O.K.). Proof of Education must meet accreditation standards through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction | |
| Copy of your valid driver’s license. | |
| $15.00 Fee | |
| Employment information for application. | |
| Your personal references. | |
| If you are a graduate from a community-based organization (TrANS, etc.), provide a copy of your completion certificate. |
Information Session Dates
Please call to schedule an appointment!
715-228-4911