Southern Illinois News

The Apprenticeship and Skilled Improvement Program for Operating Engineers Local 150 is taking applications, and Illinois state Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) wants constituents who are looking for jobs to be are aware of the opportunity.

Bryant shared information about the program, including eligibility requirements, in a recent Facebook post. 

"ATTENTION JOB SEEKERS!!" the senator said in the post. "The Apprenticeship Office for Local 150 Operating Engineers is opening applications in October for the trades of Heavy Equipment Operator, Heavy Equipment Repair Technician, Geothermal Well Driller Operator, and Construction and Building Inspector. Please visit the website here to learn more information on where and when applications will be available."

Apprentices will be taught how to properly and safely use and care for the equipment, along with how to become a "successful Operator" while getting hands-on experience; the ASIP Local 150 website said.

Local 150's William E. Dugan Training Center is located in Wilmington, Ill. The center features 342,000 square feet of space that houses an indoor training area, nearly 200 pieces of heavy equipment, 30 classrooms, a state-of-the-art welding facility, a construction material testing lab, an equipment simulator lab, a 200-seat auditorium, and more. Instructors are available to members Monday through Saturday each week, except holidays.

Bryant ran unopposed in the June Republican primary for the 58th Senate District, a report from the Journal Star said.