Lake View, NY (September 22, 2014) - The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee for Operating Engineers, Local Union #17, will conduct a recruitment from October 13, 2014 through October 24, 2014 for four operating engineer (heavy equipment) apprentices, State Labor Commissioner Peter M. Rivera announced today.  

Please note that the four openings listed for apprentices represent the total number for two recruitment regions - the Finger Lakes and Western regions of New York.  

Applications must be obtained in-person at the Operating Engineers Local Union #17 Training Fund Office, 2342 Pleasant Avenue, Lake View, New York, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday during the recruitment period.  Applications must be received at the Training Fund Office within 10 business days of the date that the application is obtained.  They must be received by 4:00 p.m. on the 10^th business day if returning in person, or postmarked by midnight.  Incomplete or late applications will not be processed.

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).  Proof will be required after selection and prior to indenture.
• Must attest that he/she is physically able to perform the work required of an operating engineer, which may include:

• Climbing and working from heights.
• Lifting heavy tools and equipment.
• Performing tasks involving coordination, motor skills, and dexterity.
• Working outdoors in extreme temperatures and weather conditions.

• Must pass a DOT 19A Crane & Respiratory Certification Physical, which includes a drug test, at the expense of the sponsor, after selection and prior to indenture. 
• Must have a valid NYS CDL driver’s license, either CDL-B with airbrakes or CDL-A with air brakes, in order to receive an application. 
• Must have reliable means of transportation to and from various job sites and related instruction classes.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or have the legal right to work in the U.S.
• Must obtain a preliminary application score of 15 points in order to be eligible for a reading/math test.
• Must provide military transfer card or discharge form DD-214, if applicable, after selection and prior to indenture.
• Must reside within the jurisdictional territory of Local Union #17, which includes:
• Zone A - Erie County.
• Zone B - The counties of Cattaraugus, Chatauqua, Orleans and Wyoming, and the western part of Genesee County (excluding the city of Batavia.)

For further information, applicants should contact their nearest New York State Department of Labor office or Local Union #17 at (716) 627-2311.

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.