The Work:
Stationary Engineers are needed wherever boilers, diesel engines, electric motors, refrigeration, generators, pumps, operational systems, and compressors are used in a fixed location — hence the term “stationary”.
They provide valuable, often behind-the-scenes work, to keep facilities running such as hospitals, hotels, high-rise buildings, schools, public entities, dairies, bakeries, and more.
Working Conditions:
Stationary engineers and boiler operators generally have steady, year-round employment. The average workweek is 40 hours. In facilities that operate around the clock, engineers and operators usually work one of three daily shifts. Weekend and holiday work often is required.
Some stationary engineers and boiler operators are exposed to high temperatures, dust, dirt, and high noise levels from the equipment. General maintenance duties also may require contact with oil, grease, or smoke. Workers spend much of the time on their feet. They may also have to crawl inside boilers and work in crouching or kneeling positions to inspect, clean, or repair equipment.
Stationary engineers and boiler operators work around hazardous machinery, such as low- and high-pressure boilers and electrical equipment. They must follow procedures to guard against burns, electric shock, noise, moving parts, and exposure to hazardous materials, such as asbestos or certain chemicals.
Apprenticeship Program:
During this 4-year program, apprentices work with journey-level engineers for on-the-job training while also completing classroom instruction at Renton Technical College.
To reach journey-level status an apprentice must complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and all required courses equating to a minimum of 576 hours of classroom instruction. Once achieved, they will receive a nationally recognized “certificate of completion” from the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries and Renton Technical College.
An apprentice normally starts at 60% of the contract journeymen scale. With on the job and supplemental classroom training combined the apprentice will receive a wage progression increase of 5% for each 1,000 hours of on-the-job training and 72 hours of supplemental classroom instruction completed.
Entry Requirements:
Persons desiring apprenticeship training under the Western Washington Stationary Engineers Apprenticeship Committee must first be employed by an employer approved by the Apprenticeship Committee. The applicants are to be selected by the individual employers in accordance with customary and established policies.
Age: Shall not be less than eighteen (18) years of age at time of application.
Education: Must have high school diploma or equivalent.
Physical: Must be able to meet the needs of the trade.
Testing: None
Other: None
Contact:
Stationary Engineers
amajor@wwsett.org
18 E Street S.W.
Auburn, WA 98001
Andrea Major, Training Coordinator
(253) 351-0184
Heather Forseth, Administrative Assistant
(253) 351-0184