International Union of Operating Engineers (ND)
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in North Dakota / International Union of Operating Engineers (ND)
International Union of Operating Engineers – Apprenticeships
Program Information
The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) offers one of the most respected and comprehensive apprenticeship programs in the skilled trades, focusing on the training and development of heavy equipment operators, mechanics, and technicians. The program is structured to produce highly skilled professionals capable of safely and efficiently operating machinery used in construction, mining, maintenance, and infrastructure projects. Apprentices receive a combination of classroom training, hands-on field instruction, and guided practice under experienced journeymen who have spent years mastering their craft.
During training, apprentices gain proficiency in operating a wide variety of equipment, including bulldozers, excavators, backhoes, cranes, loaders, graders, and other heavy machinery essential to large-scale construction and earthmoving projects. In addition to machine operation, apprentices learn critical skills such as jobsite communication, soil and site evaluation, precision grading, blueprint reading, and equipment inspection procedures. The IUOE also incorporates advanced simulator-based training, allowing apprentices to practice complex maneuvers and improve coordination before operating equipment in the field. This combination of simulation and real-world experience accelerates skill development and boosts safety awareness.
Safety forms the backbone of IUOE’s training philosophy. Apprentices are extensively trained in OSHA regulations, hazard recognition, equipment maintenance standards, trench safety, rigging protocols, and emergency procedures. Understanding the mechanics of equipment—engines, hydraulics, electrical systems, and control mechanisms—is also a major component of the program, helping apprentices troubleshoot issues on the job. This well-rounded approach ensures that graduates not only know how to operate machinery, but also how to care for it, identify operational problems, and maintain a safe work environment.
As apprentices advance, they receive incremental wage increases based on demonstrated competence, accumulated hours, and program progression. IUOE apprenticeships are “earn while you learn,” allowing individuals to build skills, gain industry experience, and progress toward journeyman status without taking on educational debt. Many locals also offer additional certifications in crane operation, GPS machine control, welding, hazardous materials handling, and other specialized skills, giving apprentices strong career advancement opportunities across multiple sectors.
Graduates of IUOE apprenticeship programs enter the workforce fully prepared for careers in infrastructure development, highway construction, pipeline work, commercial building, heavy civil engineering, and municipal maintenance operations. With ongoing demand for trained heavy equipment operators nationwide, IUOE apprentices are positioned for stable, long-term careers with competitive salaries, full benefits, and opportunities for leadership roles in the field.
Program Length
3–4 years, combining classroom instruction with thousands of on-the-job training hours.
Program Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Valid driver’s license
- Ability to pass a physical fitness assessment
- High school diploma or GED preferred
Apprenticeship Cost & Career Outlook
International Union of Operating Engineers (ND) is a Registered Apprenticeship Program — meaning you can earn while you learn through paid on-the-job training in Heavy Equipment.
- Paid on-the-job training with step increases as you progress
- Classroom / technical instruction is part of the program structure
- Training costs are often low — but you may still pay for tools, books, or fees
- Credential earned at completion is recognized by employers in the industry
Registered apprenticeships are overseen by the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Agency. Because these programs aren’t traditional colleges, College Scorecard tuition and earnings data usually doesn’t apply.
Step-by-Step Career Guides
The programs and apprenticeships listed on this page relate to hands-on skilled trades. Explore the guides below to learn about training paths, licensing, salaries, and what to expect in each career field.