Operating Engineers Program
Area of Study: Applied Industrial Technology (Operating Engineers) Apprenticeship Program
Degree/Certificate: Associate of Applied Science in Operating Engineering Technology (Apprenticeship)
Academic School: Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering and Computer Science
No new students will be accepted in the program after Aug. 22, 2025, for Academic Year 2025-2026. Current students should reach out to an academic counselor to create an academic plan to complete their remaining Operating Engineering Technology courses.
This program is offered in partnership with the Operating Engineers Union at various local training centers around the state. Students must be currently working in a registered apprenticeship program in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship Training.
The apprenticeship program prepares the student to earn a journey-level status in Operating Engineers, as well as earn an Associate of Applied Science degree. A 4-year apprenticeship emphasizes the skill set required to be a highly skilled craftsman and equipment mechanic. Operating engineers operate and maintain hoisting, grading, excavating and paving equipment, consisting of cranes, bulldozers, scrapers, graders, endloaders, concrete and asphalt plants, rollers and pumps. The Operating Engineer is generally employed in the building of highways, airports, buildings, waterways, stadiums and sewers.