At a minimum, prospective operational engineers need a high school diploma or equivalent for the job. Some candidates are hired immediately after graduating from high school and receive hands-on training from experienced engineers. Operational engineers can also receive much of their training through formal apprenticeship programs, which are sponsored by community colleges, professional schools, or the International Union of Operational Engineers (IUOE). These programs generally take four years to complete and consist of a maximum of 6,000 hours of on-the-job training.
If operational engineers work on construction projects, they may work irregular hours, including the early morning or afternoon hours. They must also be in good physical condition and have strong eye-hand coordination. Most employers require operational engineers to operate construction equipment with a valid commercial driver's license (CDL). It is also useful if operational engineers are familiar with the terms of construction.
Although formal education is not compulsory, large fixed equipment operators can earn a certificate in HAC (heating and air conditioning) or an associated diploma in HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning). Both programs offer internships where students can perform installations and troubleshoot diagnostic problems on HVAC and HAC equipment. Heavy equipment operational engineers can enroll in apprenticeship programs. Bachelor and master programs are also available for those interested in the field of operational engineering.
Job prospects and salary information
Many companies expect aspiring stationary equipment operators to have 1-3 years of experience, and most employers ask applicants to participate in supervised locations. Heavy equipment operators can find work after graduating from high school. New employees often switch to heavy equipment after using lighter equipment. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), knowledge of the engine and mechanics of the computer is also an asset to entering this field. BLS expects 13% job growth for HVAC mechanics and installers for 2018-2028. These workers also earned an average annual income of $ 48,730 in May 2019.
Continuous training
Many states and local governments have specific licensing requirements. Most expect fixed equipment operational engineers to be at least 18 years old, live in a specific area where they want to work, meet the experience requirements, and pass a written exam. Engineers using heavy equipment may need a CDL for use. Candidates must verify their state's eligibility and certification requirements.
The American Society of Energy Engineers (ASOPE) issues voluntary licenses for operational engineers in power plants. There are four classifications of operational engineers, ranging from the first to the fourth class. The first class is for supervisory or managerial positions, while the fourth class is for entry level positions, with intermediate level certification between them.
Professional organizations and unions offer one-day development seminars for operational engineers. Topics covered in these seminars include federal and state compliance, the use of learning, and safety. Multi-day seminars are another option. Speakers discuss union leadership roles, finances, safety descriptions, and how successful learning works.
Many operational engineers join a union and participate in continuing education seminars and courses to stay up-to-date on operational techniques. The IUOE is a union affiliated with the American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO). The IUOE represents equipment operators, including operational engineers.
Operational engineer training can include certification, qualification, and apprenticeship programs and teaching a variety of different skills suitable for various jobs in the construction and engineering sectors. These programs offer students the opportunity to learn more about their chosen fields and prepare them for certification in the future.
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