Operating Engineer at Operating Engineers 318 Apprenticeship & Advanced Training

Operating Engineers 318 Apprenticeship & Advanced Training offers a registered Operating Engineer apprenticeship in Marion, IL. This employer-sponsored program provides a comprehensive, paid training pathway for individuals seeking to enter the heavy construction equipment field in southern Illinois and the surrounding area.

The apprenticeship runs four years and includes 6,000 hours of on-the-job training and 432 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work hands-on with heavy equipment including excavators, cranes, bulldozers, and graders while learning from experienced operators on real job sites. Classroom and lab instruction covers equipment operation techniques, preventive maintenance, worksite safety, and applicable trade regulations.

Upon successful completion, graduates are recognized as qualified Operating Engineers ready for employment on civil, commercial, and infrastructure construction projects. The paid structure of the program means apprentices can build their skills and career simultaneously without taking on educational debt, making it a practical choice for those entering the trades.