Operating Engineers
Certificate

This four-year certificate program offers qualifying applicants occupational training under the sponsorship of the local Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) of the Western Pennsylvania Operating Engineers.

The cooperative component of this program involves lecture and laboratory classes for 45 academic credits. A student may apply these 45 credits towards an Associate’s degree in Building Construction Estimating or Building Construction Supervision. Instruction in this program encompasses a wide range of skills, including safety, plans and specifications, soil inspection and welding. The main focus is the operation of a wide variety of heavy equipment utilized in the construction industry.

Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate will:

1. Conduct pre-operational inspections, troubleshoot and perform routine maintenance on heavy equipment.
2. Interpret the information contained on construction grade stakes.
3. Communicate effectively using terminology common to the construction industry.
4. Give and receive hand signals used in the construction industry.
5. Safely and productively operate a wide variety of heavy equipment.

A student who successfully completes this four-year training seek employment in any number of jobs, including backhoe operator, excavator operator, loader, crane operator, grader operator and forklift operator.

Construction Trade Technology training programs are open to all qualifying students. These programs are offered in conjunction with the Joint Apprenticeship Committees of the building trades and the Pennsylvania Department of Labor. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania awards certificates of completion to those who complete one of these apprenticeship programs. Admission is by competitive testing and interviews with a Joint Apprenticeship Committee.