Operating Engineer at Western Washington Operating Engineers Facilities Custodial Services Apprenticeship Committee

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at Western Washington Operating Engineers Facilities Custodial Services Apprenticeship Committee in Auburn, WA

About This Program

The Western Washington Operating Engineers Facilities Custodial Services Apprenticeship Committee sponsors this non-union Operating Engineer Apprenticeship in Auburn, WA. This employer-based program is designed to train individuals in the operation and oversight of building systems and facility equipment, preparing them for careers in facilities management and custodial operations.

This four-year program is structured around 6,000 hours of paid on-the-job training and 432 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices gain practical experience with building systems, facility equipment operation, and maintenance procedures. Technical instruction covers safety practices, equipment handling, environmental compliance, and operations management relevant to facilities environments. Apprentices are paid throughout their training and progress through increasing wage levels as they build competency.

Graduates complete the program with journey-level skills applicable to facilities operations roles in commercial, institutional, and public settings. Auburn's position in the greater Seattle metro area means graduates have access to a robust job market with strong demand for qualified facilities operations professionals.

Wage & Training

OJT Hours

6,000

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

RTI Hours

432

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

Duration

4 years

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

What to Expect as an Operating Engineer Apprentice

Duration

4 years of combined on-the-job training and classroom instruction

On-the-Job Training

~30 hours/week of hands-on work under journeyman supervision (6,000 total hours)

Classroom Instruction

432 hours of related technical instruction (~108 hours/year)

Paid Training

You earn a wage from day one, starting at a percentage of the journeyman rate and increasing as you progress

Time-based program: You'll progress through the program based on completing a set number of hours in both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.

Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for Operating Engineer

Apprenticeship

Cost$0 (earn while you learn)
Duration4 years
CredentialJourneyman card

Trade School

Cost$5,000–$20,000+
Duration6–24 months
Starting wageEntry-level
ExperienceHands-on labs
CredentialCertificate / diploma

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!

See something wrong? Help us improve this page.