International Union of Operating Engineers
Local 99, 99-A, 99-C, 99-O, AFL-CIO

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Apprenticeship Program

• Apprenticeship Application Procedures
• Year One course content
• Year Two course content
• Year Three course content
• Year Four course content

The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 99 Joint Apprenticeship Committee sponsors an Apprenticeship Program. Applications are accepted once per year, in the first full week of May, in person. There is no guarantee of acceptance into the program; generally, over 200 individuals apply and only 25 to 30 are accepted each year. This program is recognized and registered with the District of Columbia.

Applicants must be 18 years of age by the date of application.  It is beneficial for applicants to have received instruction in mathematics, computers, mechanical drawing, machine-shop practice, physics, and chemistry. Mechanical aptitude, manual dexterity, and good physical condition are also important.

The Joint Apprenticeship Committee will send the applicant notification of acceptance or denial of their application by letter; the successful applicant will then be notified by phone of the employers' interview time and dates. Interviews will be conducted by employers who have agreed to participate in the Local 99 Apprenticeship Program.

The apprenticeship curriculum lasts four years. During those four years, the apprentices must maintain at least a 70% grade average, pass all exams required by the International Union of Operating Engineers, and continue to show competency on the job. In addition to on-the-job training, apprentices receive classroom instruction in boiler operation and maintenance, air conditioning and refrigeration, practical chemistry, elementary physics, blueprint reading, applied electricity, instrumentation and controls, electronics, welding, direct digital controls, air balancing, indoor air quality, and other technical subjects.

The core of the Joint Apprenticeship Committee training is approximately 8000 hours of on-the-job training, in addition to 676 classroom hours. The four year classroom curriculum is outlined below. Training is provided by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 99 Joint Apprenticeship Committee. Certificates of Completion, final testing, and Certificates of Competency are issued by representatives of the International Union of Operating Engineers. Certificates of Competency are only available to Union members.

1^st Semester - Steam Application I - Wages are 50% of the site Engineers' wage.

The first semester provides apprentices with a basic knowledge of boiler operation.

2^nd Semester - Steam Application II - Wages are 55% of the site Engineers' wage.

The second semester teaches apprentices how to draw, construct, and operate boiler room systems.

1^st Semester - Basic Electricity I - Wages are 60% of the site Engineers' wage.

The first semester places strong emphasis on the principles of electricity and the associated mathematical theorems. The definitions of current voltage, resistance, and power play an important role in the class.

2^nd Semester - Basic Electricity II - Wages are 65% of the site Engineers' wage.

The second semester teaches apprentices how to construct and repair motors, generators, and transformers and teaches the theory supporting their operation.

1^st Semester - HVACR I - Wages are 70% of the site Engineers' wage.

The first semester provides apprentices with a basic understanding of the refrigeration process.

2^nd Semester - HVACR II - Wages are 75% of the site Engineers' wage.

The second semester teaches apprentices how to identify, troubleshoot, service, and repair refrigeration and air conditioning systems, and addresses system evacuation (recover, recycle, and reclaim), electronic functions, and programmable controls.

1^st Semester - Basic Instrumentation and Control - Wages are 80% of the site Engineers' wage.

This semester covers basic controls and operation and adjustment of pneumatic and pneumatic-electric controls. Apprentices will be shown techniques to assist them in operating energy-efficient air-handling systems.

2^nd Semester - Refrigeration, Electricity, and Heating - Wages are 85% of the site Engineers' wage.

During the final semester of the apprenticeship, the instructor will review the material covered in the first three and one-half years. The theory and application of refrigeration, electricity, and heating will be reviewed in order to prepare graduating apprentices for the District of Columbia 3^rd Class License exam.