Ohio Operating Engineers – Cleveland
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in Ohio / Ohio Operating Engineers – Cleveland
Ohio Operating Engineers – Cleveland, OH
Program Information
The Ohio Operating Engineers Apprenticeship Program trains individuals to operate and maintain heavy equipment used across construction, excavation, road building, pipeline installation, and industrial projects. Apprentices receive a blend of classroom instruction and extensive hands-on training with machines such as bulldozers, cranes, backhoes, excavators, graders, loaders, and other specialized equipment used by Operating Engineers.
The program covers equipment operation, maintenance, site preparation, grading, excavation techniques, soil analysis, and jobsite safety. Apprentices also learn how to troubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems on heavy equipment. Training follows industry and union standards to ensure graduates are fully prepared for work on large-scale construction and infrastructure projects across Ohio.
Program Length
- Program Duration: 3–4 years
- On-the-Job Training: 6,000+ hours with signatory contractors
- Classroom Instruction: Typically 600–800 hours
- Credential: Completion of a state- and union-approved apprenticeship
Hands-On Training
Apprentices receive real-world, supervised training in:
- Operation of heavy equipment: cranes, bulldozers, graders, loaders, and excavators
- Earthmoving, trenching, leveling, and site preparation
- Equipment inspection, lubrication, and preventative maintenance
- Hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical system troubleshooting
- Reading site plans and interpreting grade stakes
- Safety protocols, OSHA regulations, and hazard recognition
- Working on road construction, pipeline, bridge, and commercial development projects
Program Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Physical stamina to work outdoors in all weather conditions
- Mechanical aptitude and interest in heavy equipment
- Valid driver’s license (often required for jobsite travel)
Certifications & Career Opportunities
- Preparation for careers as heavy equipment operators, crane operators, and construction equipment technicians
- Eligible to work on union construction projects with competitive pay and benefits
- Training aligned with state licensing and Operating Engineers Local 18 standards
- Opportunities in road building, excavation, utilities installation, and industrial construction
Location
Located in Cleveland, Ohio, the Operating Engineers Local 18 Training Centers provide modern facilities, outdoor equipment yards, and simulation labs to prepare apprentices for real-world jobsite conditions. The program serves individuals across Northern Ohio seeking a pathway into stable and high-demand careers in the heavy equipment and construction industries.
Apprenticeship Cost & Career Outlook
Ohio Operating Engineers – Cleveland is a Registered Apprenticeship Program — meaning you can earn while you learn through paid on-the-job training in Commercial Driving (CDL).
- 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.