Can you dig it?
Explore the field of heavy equipment operation and maintenance while in high school! Watch the video or scroll down to learn more.
Local 49 has partnered with Minnesota Virtual Academy and WesternND Career and Technical Education to offer the Operating Engineers Pathway to high school students.
Pathway highlights:
- Students can take four, one-semester online classes online to explore careers in equipment operation.
- Each year there are multiple opportunities for students to participate in hands-on training opportunities, such as visiting contractors and going to the Local 49 Training Center in Hinckley, Minnesota.
- Students will receive credit toward Local 49’s Apprenticeship Program based on the number of pathway courses completed.
- Participants have access to career counseling and guidance into the operating engineer field for apprenticeships.
- Students participating in the Pathway will take a series of classes that will prepare them to enter the Local 49 Apprenticeship Program. Students may enroll in one or more courses offered. They are not required to commit to all courses offered and can be enrolled based on skill and educational level. These courses have flexible schedules to allow the students to be concurrently enrolled in their regular courses at their brick-and-mortar school
Hands-on Experiences
Students have opportunities to attend hands-on learning events. Check out these photos from some of those events:
Course Descriptions
Construction Explorations
This course provides students with an introduction of the basic equipment used in the construction industry. Students learn about basic equipment operations and job responsibilities. This course prepares students to use concepts pertaining to safety, maintenance, mathematics and communication that operating engineers may experience.
Basic Grade and Construction Math
In the construction industry, grading is the work of ensuring a level base, or a grade with a specific slope. Grade construction work is needed in almost any building project, from laying a building foundation to landscaping to roadwork. In this course, you will be introduced to core equipment used in the staking process, as well as personal protective equipment (PPE) used in the construction industry. Communication processes used in the construction industry for interpreting and setting grade are also an important part of this course. Finally, you will learn mathematical concepts related to the construction industry for grade staking.
ALV Basic Construction Equipment Fundamentals
In the construction industry, the proper use of heavy equipment is necessary to ensure quality work and a safe work environment. In addition being able to recognize and determine the use of specific heavy equipment, will create a more efficient work team. Heavy equipment is used in almost any construction project, from building a house to excavating for a new road. In this course, you will be introduced to core equipment used by operating engineers, as well as their maintenance needs. Communication processes used by operating engineers, rigging and signaling practices, safety awareness and mathematical concepts related to the construction industry are also covered.
ALV Basic Maintenance of Mobile Equipment
This course focuses directly on maintenance of mobile equipment through a series of engaging tutorials. A major focus of the course is on maintenance safety including such topics as LOTO. Other topics include tools and fasteners, preventative maintenance principles, engines, intake and exhaust, fuel systems, coolant systems, filters and filtration, lubrication systems, hydraulics, electrical systems, tires, and tracks and undercarriages.
Frequently Asked Questions (Minnesota)
Ready to Apply?
Have enrollment specialist contact me
Questions?
In Minnesota: Email careerprep@mnva.org.
In North Dakota: Email oe.pathway@k12.nd.us.
Need promotional materials?
We’ve put together a resource page at local49.org/pathway-toolkit.
