Jobs, Training & Career · Surprise rank #388
Long Islanders: Get Paid to Train as a Heavy-Equipment Operator With Union Local 138
IUOE Local 138 offers a highly competitive, paid registered apprenticeship for operating engineers. *Catch:* Recruitment windows are brief and seats are extremely limited.
Who
Applicants meeting Long Island residency, license, physical and aptitude requirements.
Where: Nassau and Suffolk.
What to do
Start here: Follow the NYS DOL apprenticeship notice and apply exactly during the announced Local 138 window.
Eligibility: Recruitment-notice requirements, valid license, residency and testing/interview criteria.
What you get
Long Island's operating-engineer apprenticeship provides paid training for heavy-equipment operation and related construction work.
Benefit: Apprentice wages, classroom/field training and progression toward union journey-level employment.
Possible value: Potential path from a strong apprentice wage to a six-figure total compensation career, depending on hours and contracts.
Good to know
Important: Very few openings and highly competitive selection; no placement is guaranteed.
Availability: Sponsor is active; no current open official recruitment window was verified on August 2, 2026.
Why people miss it: Recruitment is rare and easy to miss; job advertisements do not capture apprenticeship intake.
Sources reviewed: Aug 2, 2026