course offerings

heath & safety

At the Montana Operating Engineers Apprenticeship and Training Program, all of our training focuses on safety, but certain jobs require safety certificates. That's why we offer certifications for Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT), Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA),  Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and First Aid/AED and CPR.  

Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT)

40 Hour HAZMAT: OSHA requires that any person working on a designated hazardous waste site must have a current HAZMAT certification. 

This class will discuss potential work hazards, the PPE required to protect yourself from those potential hazards, and how to configure your heavy equipment for HAZMAT use. 

8 Hour HAZMAT Refresher: In order to stay current with your HAZMAT certification, members and apprentices must take an 8-hour refresher course each year. You must have a current HAZMAT certificate to take this course.

This course will discuss any new developments in regards to HAZMAT and is a brief overview of the topics covered in the 40-Hour HAZMAT course. 

MSHA

MSHA 3 Day New Miner (PART 48): Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) requires operators working at mines, quarries, or sand and gravel pits to receive 24 hours of mandatory training. This course will accommodate 20-Hours of the New Miner Training; the contractor or mine operator must complete the remaining 4-hours through site-specific training. 

MSHA Refresher (PART 48): This course is an annual refresher for operators working at mines, quarries, or sand and gravel pits to maintain a current PART 48 qualification. 

All members taking the MSHA refresher must bring a previous 5000-23 to training. If you are an experienced miner and your 5000-23 form is older than 5 years, you must retake the New Miner Training. If you are an inexperienced miner and your 5000-23 is older than 3 years, you must retake the New Miner Training.  

OSHA

OSHA 10: This course is primarily intended for entry-level workers. It will provide training on the recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of workplace hazards.

OSHA 30: This one-time, 30-hour OSHA training course is geared towards members who hold safety or supervisory roles on job-sites. It will emphasize hazard identification, hazard avoidance, risk control, and injury prevention. 

First AID/CPR

First AID/CPR/AED:  This course is a one-day class where members will learn basic first aid/CPR/AED. The class is conducted by an American Heart Association certified instructor and certification is good for two years. 

C-STOP

C-STOP:  This one-day Contractors Safety Training Orientation Program course is designed to provide contractor employees with an understanding of hazards and safety procedures associated with work in highly hazardous work areas. 

Crane

The Training Program has three swing-cab hydraulic cranes and one fixed cab hydraulic crane for members to operate. The Training Program uses the National Commission of Crane Operators (NCCCO) as their crane accrediting body.

Crane Operator Training

The final OSHA ruling regarding crane certification took effect on November 10, 2018. The rules requires that crane operators in the United States must be certified by a nationally recognized and accredited certification program to operate cranes that have a capacity over 2,000 pounds, which includes articulating overhead and tower cranes. 

If you would like more information regarding the new OSHA rule, please reference CRF 1926.410, subpart CC Cranes and Derricks in Construction.

Beginner Crane Operation Theory: This one-week classroom course gives member's a basic understanding of crane opeartions. The curriculum consists of crane safety, crane components, basic principles, limitations, rigging, signaling, crane inspection, and load charts. 

This course is the starting point for members interested in obtaining their NCCCO Certification. 

Beginner Crane Operations: This five-day course is a hands-on course designed for entry-level members looking to become a crane operator. Students will gain seat time instruction on how to operate a crane safely and build on basic skills necessary to lift loads. 

Rigging and Signaling 

Rigger and Signalperson Qualification: This three-day course will cover the OSHA standard (OSHA 1926.1428) to become a Qualified Signal person and basic rigger fundamentals. The first day of training will cover crane dynamics, power line safety, and voice and hand signals. The next one-and-a-half days will cover selection and inspection of rigging equipment, rigging hardware, and specialty attachments. The final half-day of the course will be dedicated to taking the exams necessary to become an OSHA qualified signal person. 

earth moving

Introduction to Grades & Stakes: This course will teach novice operators to the basics of grading and staking. Members will learn to read grade stakes and plans, develop basic computation skills, and learn to use a hand level, transit, and laser. 

This course is designed to be taken concurrently with the Introduction to Blade course. 

Introduction to Blade: This class will teach members pre-operational inspections, operating safety, and basic operations.  

This course is designed to be taken concurrently with Introduction to Grades & Stakes. 

Introduction to Loader: This course will instruct students on the basics of loader theory and operations. Students will learn pre-operational inspections, safe starting and stopping procedures, and operating methods and techniques. 

specialty courses

Forklift: This two-day OSHA compliant course consists of one day of classroom training and one day of "hands-on" training. Operators will be required to complete a written and practical examination. 

Commercial Drivers License: This two-week accelerated course will give members the knowledge and skills required to obtain their CDL and meets the requirements of the FMCSA 2016 Final Rule, which begins February 7, 2022. 

Members can split their classroom and driving time into separate sessions to accommodate their schedule. 

Members will be required to schedule and take the written and skills exams on their own time and will be able to use the Program's truck and trailer for the skills exam in Helena, MT.