Long Island City, NY (February 16, 2015) - The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee for Operating Engineers, Local Union #15, will conduct a recruitment from March 16, 2015 through March 27, 2015 for four operating engineer (heavy equipment) apprentices, the New York State Department of Labor announced today.  

Please note that the four openings listed for apprentices represent the total number for two recruitment regions - the Long Island and New York City regions.  

A form can be submitted online at http://local15recruitment.org, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., during the recruitment period.  Local Union #15 will randomly select 50 individuals who have submitted an online form to receive an application.

This is a lottery for an application.  The drawing will be held at 10:00 am on March 31, 2015 at the International Union of Operating Engineers LU #15 Training Center, Very South End of Lefferts Boulevard at JFK Airport, South Ozone Park, NY. 

There is no guarantee that everyone will receive an application.  Applicants who do not have access to a computer should visit their local library or their nearest NYS Department of Labor Career Center.

The Committee requires that applicants:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma (such as TASC or GED).
• Must sign an affidavit attesting that they are physically able to perform the work required of an operating engineer, which may include:

o    Working with hand and power tools.

o    Climbing up onto and down from heavy equipment.

o    Working outdoors in extreme temperatures and weather conditions.

o    Working in confined spaces and underground.

o    Working at heights (bridges, scaffolding, etc).

o    Lifting and moving heavy tools and equipment.

o    Being exposed to loud noises, hazardous voltages, and respiratory irritants.

o    Prolonged standing, climbing, and walking.

o    Repetitive squatting, stretching, and bending.

• Must be able to perform tasks involving coordination, motor skills, and dexterity.
• Must be legally able to work in the United States.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Must pass a drug screening, at the expense of the sponsor, after selection and prior to indenture. 
• Must pass a physical exam, at the expense of the sponsor, after selection and prior to indenture.
• Must pass an aptitude test administered by the NYS Department of Labor.
• Must provide military transfer card or discharge form DD-214, if applicable, after selection and prior to indenture.

For further information, applicants should contact their nearest New York State Department of Labor office or Local Union #15 at (718) 835-0400.

Apprentice programs registered with the Department of Labor must meet standards established by the Commissioner.  Under state law, sponsors of programs cannot discriminate against applicants because of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, or marital status.  Women and minorities are encouraged to submit applications for apprenticeship programs.  Sponsors of programs are required to adopt affirmative action plans for the recruitment of women and minorities.