Constantia, NY (April 3, 2024) - The Upstate New York Engineers Training Fund, Local Union #545 (also doing business as Local Union #158, District #545), will conduct a recruitment from June 11, 2024 to October 10, 2024 for two Operating Engineer (Heavy Equipment Operator) apprentices, the New York State Department of Labor announced today.

Please note that the two openings listed for apprentices represent the total number for five recruitment regions - the Central, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley, North Country, and Southern Tier regions of the state.

Applications can be obtained in-person only, at the International Union of Operating Engineers Local # 158, District #545 located at 5612 Business Avenue, Cicero, NY 13039 from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. every second Tuesday and Thursday of the month during the recruitment period. Applications must be completed on the premises and must be received no later than October 10, 2024.

The Committee requires that applicants:

• Must be at least 18 years old. Proof will be required at time of acceptance.
• Must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma (such as GED or TASC). Proof will be required at time of acceptance.
• Must attest in writing that they are physically able to perform the work of an operating engineer, which includes:
  • Lifting heavy objects.
  • Working in confined spaces.
  • Working with and/or operating hazardous machinery.
  • Working in extremely dusty conditions.
  • Working in extremely hot, cold, or damp weather.
  • Working over water.
  • Working from heights.
  • Possible exposure to loud noises and respiratory irritants.
• Must pass a drug/alcohol test, at the expense of the sponsor, after selection and prior to enrollment in apprenticeship. Apprentices may be subject to random drug testing at any time during the apprenticeship.
• Must reside within the jurisdiction of Local Union #545, which includes the counties of Cayuga, Cortland, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, St. Lawrence, Seneca, or Tompkins.
• Must be able to read, hear and understand verbal instructions and warnings given in English.
• Must have at least one year of trade-related experience or must have successfully completed a construction related pre-apprenticeship or must have successfully completed a construction-related training program.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license in order to operate company vehicles. Proof will be required at time of acceptance.
• Must have reliable transportation to and from various work sites and related instruction classes at the approved school.

For further information, applicants should contact Local Union #545 at (315) 299-6104. Additional job search assistance can be obtained at your local New York State Department of Labor Career Center (see: dol.ny.gov/career-centers).

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.