Lake View, NY (October 7, 2013) -- The Operating Engineers Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee, Local Union #17, will conduct a recruitment from October 14, 2013 through October 25, 2013, Labor Commissioner Peter M. Rivera announced today. The recruitment will be for three operating engineer (heavy equipment) apprentices from Zone A (Erie County); and three operating engineer (heavy equipment) apprentices from Zone B (counties of Wyoming, Cattaraugus, Orleans, Chautauqua, and the western part of Genesee - excluding the City of  Batavia).

Applications can be obtained at the Operating Engineers Training Center, 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 may only be obtained in person. Completed applications must be returned within 10 business days of the date the application is obtained. The applications must be received at the Training Fund office by 4:00 p.m. on the tenth business day, if returning in person, or postmarked by midnight of the tenth business day. 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 general equivalency diploma (GED).  Transcripts or copy of GED must be presented upon selection.
• Must be physically fit and attest to the ability to perform the job requirements of the trade. These include, but are not limited to: 

• • Climbing and working from heights;
  • Lifting heavy tools and equipment parts;
  • Tasks involving coordination (motor skills) and dexterity;
  • Working outdoors in extreme weather conditions, such as heat, cold, wind, rain and snow;
  • Heavy manual labor over extended periods. 

• Must pass a DOT 19A Crane & Respiratory Certification physical, including a drug test, if accepted into the program.
• Must have a valid NYS CDL - B or A driver’s license (with airbrakes certification) to receive an application - proof of valid NYS CDL drivers license required upon selection.
• Must have a reliable means of transportation to work and the JATC school.
• Must obtain a preliminary application score of 15 points in order to be eligible for the reading/math test.
• Must be a US citizen or legally entitled to work in the U.S.
• Must provide proof of military service (discharge papers) upon selection, if applicable.
• Must reside in the jurisdictional territory of Local Union #17:  Zone A (Erie County); or Zone B (counties of Wyoming, Cattaraugus, Orleans, Chautauqua, or western part of Genesee - excluding City of Batavia).

For further information, applicants should contact the 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.