Utah Training Center
West Valley City, Utah
Jim Sullivan, Local 3 Financial Secretary and Officer in Charge of Utah
Jeff Anderson, Training Administrator
Utah’s Training Site currently has two locations in operation. Crane Training Operation, and CCO Practical examination is offered at the Wheeler Machinery property, located at 5065 West 2400 South. Other Equipment Training which includes Dozers, Scrapers, Loaders, Track and Rubber tired Backhoes, Blades, and Forklifts is handled at the Geneva Rock West Valley Gravel Pit Site, which is located at 5400 South 6400 West; thanks to Rob Campbell, CEO of Wheeler Machinery and Al Schellenberg of Geneva Rock Products. These locations have been in service for the past few years as to better serve the needs of our Apprentices as well as the Journeyman members of District 12.
Rick Bringhurst and Randy Thacker are the two trainers that we have on board for the Utah Program. Not only do they educate and help train our Apprentices at our training facilities, but they also offer Journeyman Upgrade and Apprentice training at the jobsite as well. These gentlemen also have the responsibility to take care of the servicing and light maintenance of the equipment.
In Utah, equipment operators reach journey level after working 6,000 hours on the job as an Apprentice, or roughly three to four years under normal economic circumstances. Mechanics reach journey level after 8,000 hours of on-the-job training as an Apprentice, which takes about four to five years.
Applications to the Apprenticeship program may be completed at the District Office:
Operating Engineers Local 3 JAC
1958 West North Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84116
Applicants are placed on a list for testing and interviews before being accepted into the program.
As of November 2007, the Utah Center has conducted CCO Certification for 16 Local 3 members and 1 for a member of another Local. Retired Local 3 member Craig Smith and current Business Representative RJ Peery currently serve as assistant Crane Trainers and as NCCCO Practical Examiners for District 12.
Journey-level training is available to the Utah membership on all equipment, as well as grade setting, HAZMAT, First-aid, MSHA, commercial driver’s license and forklift certification.
Most Local 3 advanced training classes are two weeks long. Testing is by written exam and a hands-on minimum qualification practical exam. Be prepared for some time spent in the classroom.
The majority of the training classes are scheduled in the winter months. Dress appropriately.
Classes for mechanics are offered out of the Salt Lake City Community College. They incorporate basic diesel engine repair, advanced engine repair, basic welding, electrical, hydraulics, and field service and lubrication. Check with the JAC office or the college for a class schedule.
Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Contact the JAC office for more information; for registration information, call (801)596-7785.
Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Contact the JAC office for more information; for registration information, call (801) 596-7785.