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Printed on 12/15/2024

Operating Engineer Apprentice

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50-447-1 Apprenticeship (A) 11.75 Credits Not Financial Aid Eligible Locations*: Appleton, Wautoma

*If general education courses are required, they may be available at multiple locations.

Want to learn to operate heavy equipment and work outdoors? This apprenticeship prepares you to operate cranes, dozers, scrapers, loaders, motor graders, tractor loader backhoes and more. As an operating engineer, you’ll work on construction projects such as commercial and residential developments, dams, roadways, etc. Or you could work in plants that produce rock, sand and gravel, or clean up hazardous waste sites. You’ll learn blueprint reading, how to maintain your equipment and safe work site procedures. This program requires you to first be employed before starting your on-the-job and classroom instruction.

COURSE LIST

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Course list for reference only. Current students please refer to your individualized program plan or see your advisor.
**Outside effort hours are an estimate based on state standards, and may vary from person to person.

    Occupational Specific (11.75 Credits)

    Course Title
    Course Number
    Credits
    Instructional Hours
    Outside Effort Hours**
    Prior Learning Credit Eligibility
  • Basic Maintenance
    50-447-536
    1.25Credit
    40
    0
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 40
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447536
    • Credits: 1.25

    Will introduce students to basic mobile equipment maintenance. Students will be instructed in maintaining engines, hydraulics, electrical systems, lubricants, and machine undercarriages with an emphasis on the use of the operator manual maintenance sections. Shop and field maintenance safety will be daily topics as well as proper use and identification of hand tools and shop tooling.

  • Operating Engineers Intro to Basic Equipment
    50-447-543
    1Credit
    36
    0
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 36
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447543
    • Credits: 1.00

    Introduces student to heavy equipment used in the construction industry. Students will also be instructed on basic safety, maintenance, and communication methods that operating engineers may be exposed to.

  • Operating Engineers Applied Basic Equipment
    50-447-544
    1.25Credit
    44
    0
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 44
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447544
    • Credits: 1.25

    Provides students with specialized instruction and valuable experience on basic heavy construction equipment. Emphasis will be geared toward practical exercises on safety, efficiency, and skill development.

  • Basic Grade
    50-447-584
    1.25Credit
    40
    0
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 40
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447584
    • Credits: 1.25

    Covers instruction in working with the engineers ruler using tenths and hundredths, how to calculate basic quantities, working with elevations, figuring cut and fill to finish grade and sub-grade. Topics also include interpreting and working with grade stakes while learning the basic grade setting and staking process. In the field students will be trained how to use lasers, eye levels, standard rods and lenker rods. Also includes a basic introduction to plan reading.

  • Construction Regulations
    50-447-592
    1.25Credit
    40
    0
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 40
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447592
    • Credits: 1.25

    Incorporates OSHA 10+, MSHA – New Miner and First Aid/CPR into one 40-hour class. Some of the topics covered: Blood-borne pathogens, confined space entry, demolition, electrical safety, excavations & trenching, fall protection, fire protection & hot-work, hazard communication, lockout/tag-out, material handling, hoists, cranes & rigging, motor vehicles & motorized equipment, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), power industrial trucks, Process Safety Management (PSM), scaffolds, lifts, ladders & stairways, signs, signals, & barricades.

  • 40-Hour Hazmat
    50-447-593
    1.25Credit
    40
    0
    N/A

    • Instructional Hours: 40
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447593
    • Credits: 1.25

    Provides basic information needed to protect HAZWOPER site workers from health, physical, and biological hazards. This course meets the requirements of OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response) and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 (Permit Required Confined Space). Instruction is a combination of both hands-on and classroom instruction.

    Select a total of 4.5 credits from these options
  • Op Eng Dozer
    50-447-520
    2.25Credit
    80
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 80
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447520
    • Credits: 2.25
     Instructs students on the smaller finish dozers. They will learn how to work around obstacles like culverts, manholes, etc. They will be instructed how to work on slopes using the newest technology in automated grading systems. Students will work on the developing of skills to be a finish operator.
  • Advanced Grade - Machine Control - Topcon
    50-447-594
    1.25Credit
    40
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 40
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447594
    • Credits: 1.25
     Provides training exclusively dedicated to the corresponding GPS Topcon machine control. Instruction will include off setting grade horizontally and vertically from surfaces. You can also expect to create simple designs using the control box as well as recording data for office use.
  • Powertrain Maintenance
    50-447-586
    1.25Credit
    40
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 40
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447586
    • Credits: 1.25
     Introduces the student to basic powertrain systems. The learner will be engaged in theory and hands-on activity in power flow, schematics, component identification and system maintenance in this course.
  • Asphalt Paving
    50-447-558
    2.25Credit
    80
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 80
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447558
    • Credits: 2.25
     Prepares Operating Engineers to work in the asphalt paving industry by examining the various processes involved in producing a finished product. The class will also demonstrate the processes and introduce the automatic controls used in the industry.
  • Op Eng-Lattice Crane
    50-447-532
    2.25Credit
    80
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 80
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447532
    • Credits: 2.25
     Instructs students in the pre-op inspection, assembly, setup and use of cranes utilizing lattice boom design. Students also receive instruction in basic rigging, regulations, hoisting processes and multi-line operation.
  • Overhead Crane
    50-447-578
    0.25Credit
    8
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 8
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447578
    • Credits: 0.25
     Introduces students to the basics of overhead crane safety. Topics will include: terminology, inspection, operational safety, and rigging. Emphasis will be placed on the various regulations that apply to hoisting using this type of machinery. Primarily classroom related, there may be some practical field exercise.
  • Welding Basics
    50-447-548
    1.25Credit
    40
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 40
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447548
    • Credits: 1.25
     Focuses on welding safety, equipment set-up and operation, electrode selection, gas selection, and basic metallurgy when welding steel using both stick and wire feed methods. Repair welding with torch set-up and operation, air arc operation, and plasma cutting are also emphasized.
  • Advanced Crane
    50-447-524
    2.25Credit
    80
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 80
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447524
    • Credits: 2.25
     Instructs students in specializing driving and extraction of piling and sheeting. They will work on standing up hammer and leads, capping piling, battering piling, and students will have the opportunity to drive piling to bearings. They will also be driving and extracting sheeting walls and bearings. Students must have taken the Friction Crane course or have equivalent experience.
  • Electrical Maintenance
    50-447-585
    1.25Credit
    40
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 40
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447585
    • Credits: 1.25
     Introduces the learner to basic electrical theory and mobile machine electrical maintenance. Training in electrical schematics, test equipment, component identification, and operator level equipment repairs will be the emphasis of this 40-hour course.
  • Advanced Grade-Machine Control-Trimble
    50-447-568
    1.25Credit
    40
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 40
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447568
    • Credits: 1.25
     Provides training exclusively dedicated to the corresponding GPS Trimble machine control. Instruction will include off-setting grade horizontally and vertically from surfaces. Students can also expect to create simple designs using the control box as well as recording data for office use.
  • Adv Electrical/Hydraulic Troubleshooting
    50-447-573
    0.75Credit
    24
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 24
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447573
    • Credits: 0.75
     Explores comprehensive techniques for troubleshooting modern control systems on later model equipment such as components, schematics, digital multi-meter use and applied theory. Prior experience & knowledge of basic and electrical hydraulic systems is preferred.
  • Part 107 UAV Test Preparation - 32 hours
    50-447-517
    1Credit
    32
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 32
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447517
    • Credits: 1.00

    Provides students with a comprehensive look at the use and versatility of Drones on today’s construction projects. After completing this course, you will be able to prepare for your Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilot’s License Test. The primary focus will be on instructing our Operating Engineers in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations for the safe and responsible use of a sUAS/UAV in the National Airspace System (NAS), according to the guidelines of the PART 107 Remote Pilot Certification Standard. We will discuss drones in construction, how this emerging and growing sector is influencing the jobsite and safety.
  • Excavating-Advanced
    50-447-539
    1.25Credit
    40
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 40
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447539
    • Credits: 1.25
     Will be offered to operators with previous experience in excavating. Students will study the concepts of efficient cycle times, truck loading, mass excavations, undercutting roadways, and foundation excavations.
  • Basic/Telescopic Crane
    50-447-531
    2.25Credit
    80
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 80
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447531
    • Credits: 2.25
     Instructs students at introductory level, to hoisting operations with mobile cranes. Key concepts are operator responsibility, principles of operation, terms/definitions and manufacturers' instructions.
  • OSHA 30 - Operating Engineers
    50-447-577
    1Credit
    32
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 32
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447577
    • Credits: 1.00
     Is a four-day in-depth OSHA safety course. This comprehensive training is designed for safety professionals and provides a variety of in-depth instruction on OSHA Construction Industry Standards for worker health and safety. Meets OSHA Standard CFR 1926.
  • Motor Grader-Advanced
    50-447-547
    1.25Credit
    40
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 40
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447547
    • Credits: 1.25
     Can be tailored for any level of experience or geared to provide evaluations for more experienced operators. Topics covered include safety aspects, preventive maintenance, operating techniques, and proper procedures for using motor graders in both classroom and hands-on simulations.
  • Intro to UAV (Drone) Operation
    50-447-572
    0.25Credit
    8
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 8
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447572
    • Credits: 0.25
     Is a one day course which will stress FAA regulations that comply with commercial UAV operations. Weather permitting, students will take part in construction site mapping using a UAV to obtain geographically obtained images. UAV data will be exported and processed using PIX4D software to achieve earthwork volume calculations.
  • Concrete Pumping
    50-447-591
    1.25Credit
    40
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 40
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447591
    • Credits: 1.25
     Includes topics of general requirements, PPE, setting a pre-pour plan, selecting the right size and type of equipment required to make the pour, the concrete pumping system, and where to locate the pump in the safest position.
  • Qualified Traffic Flagger
    50-447-583
    0.25Credit
    4
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 4
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447583
    • Credits: 0.25
     Is a 4-hr. class, in which the student will learn about the risks and proper flagging techniques involved in safely controlling traffic in our construction zones. While not yet required by WISDOT, the qualification is beneficial to those individuals who may be engaged in controlling traffic. Some of the topics covered are: sign placement, risk, communication (with 2nd flagger), proper technique, and courtesy. Completion of this class will result in a student qualification.
  • Advanced Grade-Business Center
    50-447-571
    1.25Credit
    40
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 40
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447571
    • Credits: 1.25
     Is designed for the foreman/lead operator with the computer experience necessary to progress to the next level, this course will focus on understanding work flow guides and the functions of Business Center—HCE.
  • Op Eng-Basic Paving
    50-447-515
    2.25Credit
    80
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 80
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447515
    • Credits: 2.25
     Instructs students on the basics of paving and patching roadways and parking lots. Focuses on the safe and productive operation of pavers, compactors, motor graders, and other related paving equipment.
  • Wind Turbine
    50-447-590
    1.25Credit
    40
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 40
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447590
    • Credits: 1.25
     Presents the advantages of going green. The class will utilize simulation and actual crane operations to set the tower, nacelle and rotor.
  • Load Charts & Regulations
    50-447-546
    1.25Credit
    40
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 40
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447546
    • Credits: 1.25
     Is a one week course with the goal of informing the student in the OSHA/ASME hoisting and mobile crane regulations and the intricacies of the proper use of various crane manufacturers capacity charts. Students can expect to spend a great deal of time using various charts to calculate capacities.
  • Dozer-Advanced
    50-447-538
    1.25Credit
    40
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 40
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447538
    • Credits: 1.25
     Will be offered to operators with previous experience in Dozer. Operators will study advanced techniques of finish dozer work such as sloping, gravel spreading, curb grading, and ditching.
  • Trimble-Business Center
    50-447-525
    1.25Credit
    40
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 40
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447525
    • Credits: 1.25

    Provides the basics of creating a design model for use in G.P.S. guided machines and rovers, as well as how to construct a simple takeoff.  This skilled training will include how to import and export site and road projects into several GNSS systems.
  • Op Eng-Basic Excavating 40hr
    50-447-510
    1.25Credit
    40
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 40
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447510
    • Credits: 1.25

    Instructs students on the basics of excavating dirt for building construction, underground utilities and sitework projects.  Focuses on the safe and productive operation of backhoes, front-end loader, and other related excavating equipment.
  • Tele-Handler/Forklift Re-Cert
    50-447-581
    0.25Credit
    4
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 4
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447581
    • Credits: 0.25
     Is for operators with a CURRENT certification, this course will update you on existing policies and procedures as well as renew your knowledge in the safety requirements for telescopic material handlers. Telescopic material handlers and rough terrain forklifts are utilized in this class. Re-certification is required every 3 years.
  • Scraper-Advanced
    50-447-545
    1.25Credit
    40
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 40
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447545
    • Credits: 1.25
     Involves advanced techniques in sloping, grading, and ditching, as well as time spent working on the skills needed to be a finish operator.
  • Op Eng Advanced Excavating
    50-447-522
    2.25Credit
    80
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 80
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447522
    • Credits: 2.25
     Instructs students in planning mass excavations, deep trenches, wet trenches, dredging and other advanced skills.
  • Geo-Thermal
    50-447-589
    1.25Credit
    40
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 40
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447589
    • Credits: 1.25
     Presents the advantages of going green. The class will perform laying out and digging the excavation of a typical horizontal geo-thermal heating/cooling installation.
  • Directional Drilling
    50-447-560
    2.25Credit
    80
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 80
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447560
    • Credits: 2.25
     Explains that working this horizontal drilling (HDD) program as a new hire with little to no experience is the first step a worker can make to become successful in this field. This HDD program entails drilling safety, set up, operation of equipment, and also detailed knowledge of how each area works. There is extensive hands-on training during this course.
  • Op Eng-Basic Excavating
    50-447-513
    2.25Credit
    80
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 80
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447513
    • Credits: 2.25
     Instructs students on the basics of excavating dirt for building construction, underground utilities and sitework projects. Focuses on the safe and productive operation of backhoes, front-end loader, and other related excavating equipment.
  • Demolition
    50-447-576
    1.25Credit
    40
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 40
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447576
    • Credits: 1.25
     Trains operators to discover how to recognize hazardous material, locate utilities, and read work plans while covering site specific safety necessary to razing a structure. Students will prepare and dismantle structures of varying materials (concrete, steel, wood, etc.) to manageable sizes for disposal or redistribution.
  • Advanced Grade - Rover
    50-447-570
    1.25Credit
    40
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 40
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447570
    • Credits: 1.25
     Provides training exclusively on the corresponding Topcon or Trimble equipped rovers. Training will revolve around the data collector and the different ways to lay out projects and record data. The Topcon course will utilize Topcon 3-D Office. The Trimble course will utilize Trimble Office Synchronizer and SCS Report Utility.
  • Tele-Handler/Forklift Safety
    50-447-580
    0.25Credit
    8
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 8
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447580
    • Credits: 0.25
     Utilizes telescopic material handler and rough terrain forklifts, giving students an understanding of forklift and tele-handler operation, safety, and inspection. Covers OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 standards. Re-certification is required every 3 years.
  • Competent Person
    50-447-575
    0.25Credit
    8
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 8
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447575
    • Credits: 0.25
     Is training which is required of at least one person on every excavating crew, and every excavator operator should know the information taught in this one-day course. Certification is good for 5 years.
  • Intermediate Grade
    50-447-588
    1.25Credit
    40
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 40
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447588
    • Credits: 1.25
     Covers how to read and understand site grading, road grading, paving and foundation plans and specifications. New technology is introduced including GPS.
  • Scraper
    50-447-512
    2.25Credit
    80
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 80
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447512
    • Credits: 2.25
     Instructs students on the basics of moving dirt on road building and sitework projects. Focuses on the safe and productive operation of bulldozers, motor scrapers, compactors and other related earthmoving equipment.
  • Op Eng Motor Grader
    50-447-521
    2.25Credit
    80
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 80
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447521
    • Credits: 2.25
     Instructs students on working with the newest automated control systems and working with finish graders.
  • Scraper 40-Hours
    50-447-549
    1.25Credit
    40
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 40
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447549
    • Credits: 1.25
     Introduces operators to basic scraper applications using single engine scrapers, push tractors and related support equipment. Instruction will include equipment controls, safe operation, jobsite navigation and key communication processes.
  • Accelerated Machine Control
    50-447-569
    0.5Credit
    16
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 16
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447569
    • Credits: 0.50
     Is a two day course which will focus on machine control emulator software in a classroom setting. Students will navigate through menus, simulate machine control activities and troubleshoot issues.
  • Skidsteer Safety
    50-447-579
    0.25Credit
    8
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 8
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447579
    • Credits: 0.25
     Focuses primarily on safety in and around a skidsteer. Basic skidsteer operation will be taught in addition to general maintenance.
  • Air Conditioning Certification
    50-447-574
    0.25Credit
    4
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 4
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447574
    • Credits: 0.25
     Is a 4-hour workshop which will be devoted to MACS 609 Technician and Certification Training. Technicians need Federal EPA 609 Technician and Certification to work on vehicle/heavy equipment air conditioning systems.
  • Hydraulic Maintenance
    50-447-587
    1.25Credit
    40
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 40
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447587
    • Credits: 1.25
     Introduces the learner to basic hydraulic theory, hydraulic components, basic schematics, operator level function checks and testing. An emphasis will be on control functions and actuators as well as hydraulic system maintenance.
  • Op Eng-Telescopic Crane
    50-447-533
    2.25Credit
    80
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 80
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447533
    • Credits: 2.25
     Instructs students in the pre-op inspection, setup and use of cranes utilizing telescoping boom design. Students will also receive instruction in basic rigging, regulations and hoisting processes.
  • Clearing and Grubbing
    50-447-518
    1.25Credit
    40
    0
    N/A
    • Instructional Hours: 40
    • Outside Effort Hours: 0
    • Course Number: 50447518
    • Credits: 1.25

    Introduces students to the Department of Transportation’s 201 Clearing and Grubbing and 202 Roadside Clearing Standard Specifications. These Specifications include cutting, removal and disposal of trees, brush, roots and stumps within the clearing limits of a jobsite. Curriculum covered will include equipment maintenance, safety, mathematical concepts, conservational methods and operational techniques. Specific operational techniques may include tree felling, forestry mulching, chipping, grinding, transportation and stump removal.
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