Lake View, NY (April 23, 2018) - The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee for Operating Engineers, Local Union #17, will conduct a recruitment from October 15, 2018 through October 26, 2018 for six operating engineer (heavy equipment) apprentices, the New York State Department of Labor announced today.  

Please note that the six openings (3 openings for each Zone-Counties in Zone A and B are listed below) 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 postmarked no later than the 10 business days after the date it gets picked up. 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). Transcripts or copy of proof must be presented upon selection.
• Must attest that they are 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 such as heat, cold, rain, and snow.
• Must be able to do heavy manual labor over extended periods.
• Must pass a drug and alcohol test and may need respiratory test, at the expense of the sponsor, after selection and prior to indenture. 
• Must have a valid NYS CDL driver’s license, either CDL-A with airbrakes or CDL-B with air brakes. Apprentices may be required to operate company vehicles. Proof will be required after selection and prior to indenture.
• Must have reliable means of transportation to and from various job sites and related instruction classes.
• Must be a citizen of the USA or legally entitled to work in the USA.
• Must provide DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, 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, Chautauqua, Orleans, 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.