HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS APPRENTICESHIP
Northwest College of Construction Apprenticeship Program
APPLICATION FOR H.E.O. APPRENTICESHIP OPEN
JOB DESCRIPTION
Heavy Equipment Operators control construction equipment such as heavy-duty trucks, cranes, bulldozers, pavers, rollers, trench excavators and many other kinds of equipment used in constructing buildings, dams, airports and highways.
GET ALERTS!
Sign up for the H.E.O. mailing list to get an alert for the next H.E.O. apprenticeship application period.
APPRENTICESHIP INFORMATION:
Heavy Equipment Operators control construction equipment such as heavy-duty trucks, cranes, bulldozers, pavers, rollers, trench excavators and many other kinds of equipment used in constructing buildings, dams, airports and highways.
The work is outdoors and varied, depending on the weather. Bad weather can shut down jobs and generally, the machinery is not operated in heavy snow or rain.
Apprentices are sometimes required to commute long distances or to relocate for a few weeks or months to obtain employment. Apprentices must be flexible and adaptable to different environments, job sites and requirements.
Apprenticeship applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
In addition, they must provide proof of high school graduation or general education development (GED) equivalent.
Classroom Hours: A minimum of 160 hours per year for 4 years
On-the-Job Training: 8,000 hours (approx. 4 years)
Starting Wage: $29.16 /hr
Journey Worker (graduated): $36.45 /hr
*Wage data taken as a sample from PWR Handbook. Effective 6-1-2024
If you are brand new to the construction industry, we highly recommend starting out with the CONSTRUCTION CRAFT LABORERS APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM.
This program is a fantastic starting point for those who aren’t entirely sure which craft they want to commit to.
You’ll learn about what it takes to work in construction and immediately start building a resume for your future. Many of our Heavy Equipment apprentices START OUT in the Construction Craft Laborers apprenticeship program.
APPLICATION INFORMATION:
** IMPORTANT INFORMATION. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY! **
Please provide minimum qualifications (#1 and #2) and supporting documents (#3) before the end of the application period you intend to apply.
Application will be rejected if the required documents are not submitted.
- Provide proof of at least 18 years of age.
- Provide proof of high school graduation or GED equivalency.
- or: Completion of an Associate’s Degree or higher that is recognized by the Department of Education.
- or: Test scores within 12 months on Alex, COMPASS or Accuplacer with placement at or above Math 20 or higher, Reading 115 or higher & Writing 101 or higher; or completion of the equivalent ABE course.
- Submit documentation for points for ranking placement:
- Points are awarded for: valid driver’s license, CDL, military, education, certifications, work experience documented on company letterhead, and interview score.
- View entire point system and FAQ here: HEO Point System
Everyone with a completed application and supporting documentation is invited to interview.
IF SELECTED: Applicant will need to attend 1/2 day of orientation and 4 days of jumpstart (unpaid training).
- Complete this online application
- Review Application Point System and submit all documentation to Apply@nwcoc.com. The more documentation you submit the higher you will rank on the Qualified Applicant list.
- *To be considered and invited to attend the interview, all documentation must be submitted by the last date applications are accepted. **NO EXCEPTIONS** Your assigned interview date will be mailed to you.
- Attend the required interview.
The committee will only select the top 5-7 applicants from the Qualified Applicant list to move forward, according to a point system and interview score. Incomplete applications will not be processed!
If selected, applicants will complete:
- Half day Trade Orientation (unpaid but free of charge)
- Pass a UA substance abuse test. (this includes Marijuana)
- Complete our 5-day Jumpstart Construction Safety Training (unpaid but free of charge)
SPONSORS & PARTNERS
Special thanks to the following companies for helping to support our Heavy Equipment Operations Apprenticeship Program:
- K&E Excavating
- MEI Construction
- Slayden Construction
- Star Rental
- Peterson CAT
- Bobcat of Portland
- Pape Machinery
- Clackamas County Parks
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A SPONSOR?
If your company is interested in becoming a sponsor or partner with our Heavy Equipment Operations Program please fill out the form below.