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If you have any questions which are not answered here, please contact Local 99's Training Coordinator at 301-909-0606.
The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 99 Joint Apprenticeship Committee sponsors an Apprenticeship Program. Applications are accepted once per year, May 5 - 9, 2025, in person, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at 9315 Largo Drive West, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774.
At this time, you will be required to:
1. Fill out an Application for IUOE Local 99 JAC’s Apprenticeship Program.
2. Pay for and receive paperwork for a Drug Screening mentioned below.
3. Take a brief Mathematical Aptitude test. The test is comprised of High School level math; like basic math functions, basic algebra, and basic geometry. There is not a study guide for this test. If you feel you need help brushing up on math skills please try this helpful website https://www.khanacademy.org/
There is no guarantee of acceptance into the program; generally, over 200 individuals apply and only 25 to 30 are typically accepted each year. This program is recognized and registered with the District of Columbia and Maryland.
All persons interested in making application must submit to a pre-admission drug screening. The cost of the drug screening is $35.00, payable by credit card or money order made payable to the JAC. Any applicant refusing to submit to the pre-admission drug screen will not be permitted to advance to the next step in the screening process.
All pre-admission drug screenings must be done through an approved Pembrooke provider. All drug screening is done through the JAC Office. No appointments are necessary. Pre-admission applicants will be given the laboratory paperwork and directions to the test center where the testing takes place. The drug screening must be performed within 48 hours of making payment and receiving all applicable paperwork. The drug screening results are only good for 30 days. All costs for the initial drug screening test, retesting, and subsequent follow up testing will be paid for by the applicant. Any applicant whose test results reveal intoxicants at or above the allowable limits will not be allowed admission. Those testing positive to the drug screening will be notified of their inability to continue the application process. Upon confirmation of a negative drug screening an applicant will be eligible to complete the application process.
In addition, we require that the following documents be submitted to the Joint Apprenticeship Program of Local 99, I.U.O.E., 9315 Largo Drive West, Suite 200, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774, in order for you to be considered for the Apprenticeship Program:
These forms must be submitted by close of business May 23, 2025.
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 576 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.
Year One - Steam Applications
1st Semester: Steam Application I - Wages are 50% of the site Engineers' wage. The first semester provides apprentices with a basic knowledge of boiler operation.
2nd 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.
Year Two - Electricity
1st 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.
2nd 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.
Year Three - Refrigeration
1st Semester: HVACR I - Wages are 70% of the site Engineers' wage. The first semester provides apprentices with a basic understanding of the refrigeration process.
2nd 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.
Year Four
1st 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.
2nd Semester: Indoor Air Quality - Wages are 85% of the site Engineers' wage. The second half consists of three subjects: Indoor Air Quality, Auxiliary Steam Plant Equipment and a General Review. Indoor Air Quality is divided in to five sections: Introduction to IAQ Problems, Organizing and Operating a Preventive Maintenance Program, Troubleshooting and Monitoring HVAC Systems, Other IAQ Situations, and Troubleshooting IAQ. The text is Boiler Operators Guide (Anthony L. Kohan) – total course time will be 144 hours per year.
