Operating Engineers Local 150 – Chicago, IL
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in Illinois / Operating Engineers Local 150 – Chicago, IL
Operating Engineers Local 150 Apprenticeship – Chicago, IL
Program Information
Operating Engineers Local 150 offers one of the most respected and advanced apprenticeship programs for individuals seeking a career in heavy equipment operation. The Local 150 Apprenticeship and Skill Improvement Program (ASIP), headquartered near Chicago, serves candidates from Illinois, Northern Indiana, and Eastern Iowa. It is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor and offers comprehensive training through a state-of-the-art, 300-acre training center in Wilmington, IL.
Apprentices are trained to operate a wide range of heavy construction equipment, including bulldozers, cranes, excavators, graders, front-end loaders, rollers, trenchers, and more. The program includes real-world simulations on GPS-guided machinery, machine maintenance procedures, and instruction on environmental safety protocols. Specialized tracks are also available in areas like Heavy Equipment Operator, Heavy Equipment Repair Technician, and Geothermal Technician.
All apprentices receive structured classroom education on topics such as equipment mechanics, hydraulics, workplace safety, blueprint reading, and OSHA regulations. This instruction is paired with paid, on-the-job experience under the supervision of union contractors on active job sites.
Program Length
The program typically lasts 3 to 4 years, during which apprentices must complete:
- 6,000+ hours of supervised on-the-job training (OJT)
- Over 1,000 hours of classroom instruction and field simulation
Training takes place year-round, and apprentices progress based on performance and accrued OJT hours.
Programs Offered
- Heavy Equipment Operator
- Heavy Equipment Technician
- Geothermal Well Driller
- Cranes and Hoisting Equipment
Certifications & Career Opportunities
Graduates earn multiple industry certifications including OSHA 30, MSHA, CDL (Commercial Driver’s License), and specialized heavy equipment operation endorsements. Career opportunities span highway construction, building trades, municipal infrastructure, underground utilities, energy sector drilling, and more. Many graduates advance to supervisory roles or become instructors themselves.
Program Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Possess a high school diploma or GED
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
- Ability to pass an aptitude test and drug screening
- Physically capable of lifting, climbing, and working in rugged outdoor conditions
Compensation & Benefits
Apprentices earn a starting wage equal to approximately 60% of journeyman scale, with wage increases every 1,000 hours of completed training. Local 150 apprentices receive full union benefits, including healthcare, pension contributions, training fund access, and retirement plans. There is no tuition cost to the apprentice, and all training materials are provided by the program.
Apprenticeship Cost & Career Outlook
Operating Engineers Local 150 – Chicago, IL is a Registered Apprenticeship Program — meaning you can earn while you learn through paid on-the-job training in Commercial Driving (CDL).
Compensation & Benefits Snapshot
Apprentices earn a starting wage equal to approximately 60% of journeyman scale, with wage increases every 1,000 hours of completed training. Local 150 apprentices receive full union benefits, including healthcare, pension contributions, training fund access, and retirement plans. There is no tuition cost to the apprentice, and all training materials are provided by the program.
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.