Operating Engineer at Utah Operating Engineers, JATC

The Operating Engineer Apprenticeship through Utah Operating Engineers JATC is a union program based in Sandy, UT. This joint apprenticeship training committee program represents a collaboration between labor and management to develop highly skilled heavy equipment operators for the construction industry.

Running for four years, the program includes 6,000 hours of paid on-the-job training and 432 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices gain practical experience operating heavy machinery including cranes, excavators, scrapers, and paving equipment on real construction projects. Technical classroom coursework addresses safety protocols, equipment maintenance, blueprint reading, and grade-checking procedures. Apprentices receive pay from day one, with wage increases as they advance.

Graduates earn journeyman Operating Engineer status recognized throughout the union construction industry. Utah's active infrastructure and development projects create consistent demand for qualified operators, and JATC graduates are well-positioned to find stable, well-compensated employment upon completing the program.