Nevada Training Center
Wadsworth, Nevada
Greg Smith, Administrator
Local 3 maintains a 160-acre site near Wadsworth, Nev. (26 miles east of Reno) to meet the increased demand for Operating Engineers in Nevada. A booming construction industry and housing market means employers need operators to prepare the land for the new developments and businesses. The property was purchased in 2002, and all equipment and the site office were moved to the new location.
From 1993 to 1998, all apprentices and journey-level operators trained at the Utah training site in winter months. But in March 1998, seeing the need for an in-state training center in the Reno area, Local 3 trustees (representatives from the union and signatory employers) began to develop an inventory of construction equipment that could be used for training. A Case 580 backhoe was purchased, and excess government equipment was acquired from sister locals and other Local 3 training sites.
The first official classes were offered in December 1998 on leased space at the Lockwood landfill. By that time the local had acquired a dozer, loader, backhoe and crane. In May 2002 classes were held in Wadsworth.
Today, training is available on dozer, loader, backhoe, cranes (conventional and hydro), forklift, excavator, scraper, rollers, pavers and blades (with laser). Other training classes include: Hazmat, MSHA, OSHA, first aid/CPR, roadway safety, natural gas installation certification, commercial driver's license, NCCO crane certification and Nevada state tower crane certification.
Unique to Nevada is the state requirement for certification on tower cranes. Currently, NCCO certification is not recognized in Nevada. As of February 2005, certification training for Nevada will be available on an as-needed basis. This includes eight-hour classroom training and practical training, both of which require testing with a 75 percent passing grade.
In addition to the apprenticeship, the Nevada training center offers continuing education and training for journey-level operators. Nevada state law may stipulate a different number of hours required for operator certifications, said Greg Smith, program administrator. The rapidly changing technology in the construction industry creates a need for constant training to learn new techniques and methods and improve existing skills.
Administrator Greg Smith, has certifications in Hazmat, OSHA, MSHA, forklift, power-line hazard and first aid/CPR and heads the training center staff, including Dave Tustin, instructor/ mechanic and Brian Prather, instructor. Instructors regularly renew their certifications and develop up-to-date training curriculum.
Operating Engineers can earn certifications in Hazmat, oil refinery safety, first aid and CPR through the training center program. When a substantial number of bargaining unit members in any field require specialized training or education, the center will develop a quality, custom-designed program to meet their needs. For example, an eight-hour Hazmat refresher class is conducted onsite for Perata Construction.
Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. For more information, call the Nevada Apprenticeship and training center at (775) 575-2729.
Commercial Driver's License Training
Ongoing – call for information.
If you need more information, call the apprenticeship office at (775) 575-2729 or sign up at the dispatch desk in the Reno District hall.