Education and training requirements for Stationary engineers and boiler operatorsStationary engineers and boiler operators usually acquire their skills through a formal apprenticeship program, or on-the-job training supplemented by courses at a trade or technical school. In addition, valuable experience can be obtained in the Navy or the merchant marine, because marine engineering plants are similar to many stationary power and heating plants. Most employers prefer to hire persons with at least a high school diploma or the equivalent, due to the increasing complexity of the equipment with which engineers and operators now work. Many Stationary engineers and boiler operators have some form of continuing education including college. Mechanical aptitude, manual dexterity, and good physical condition also are important. The International Union of Operating Engineers sponsors apprenticeship programs and is the principal union for Stationary engineers and boiler operators. In selecting apprentices, most local labor-management apprenticeship committees prefer applicants with education or training in mathematics, computers, mechanical drawing, machine shop practice, physics, and chemistry. An apprenticeship usually lasts 4 years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. In addition, apprentices receive 600 hours of classroom instruction in subjects such as boiler design and operation, elementary physics, pneumatics, refrigeration, air-conditioning, electricity, and electronics. Those who acquire their skills on the job usually start as boiler tenders or helpers to experienced stationary engineers and boiler operators. This practical experience may be supplemented by postsecondary vocational training in computerized controls and instrumentation. However, becoming an engineer or operator without completing a formal apprenticeship program usually requires many years of work experience. Most large and some small employers encourage and pay for skill-improvement training for their employees. Training almost always is provided when new equipment is introduced or when regulations concerning some aspect of the workers� duties change. Most States and cities have licensing requirements for Stationary engineers and boiler operators. Applicants usually must be at least 18 years of age, reside for a specified period in the State or locality, meet experience requirements, and pass a written examination. A stationary engineer or boiler operator who moves from one State or city to another may have to pass an examination for a new license due to regional differences in licensing requirements. There are several classes of stationary engineer licenses. Each class specifies the type and size of equipment the engineer can operate without supervision. A licensed first-class stationary engineer is qualified to run a large facility, supervise others, and operate equipment of all types and capacities. An applicant for this license may be required to have a high school education, apprenticeship or on-the-job training, and several years of experience. Licenses below first class limit the types or capacities of equipment the engineer may operate without supervision. Stationary engineers and boiler operators advance by being placed in charge of larger, more powerful, or more varied equipment. Generally, engineers advance to these jobs as they obtain higher class licenses. Some stationary engineers and boiler operators advance to boiler inspectors, chief plant engineers, building and plant superintendents, or building managers. A few obtain jobs as examining engineers or technical instructors. More information on Stationary engineers and boiler operators from The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Overview of Stationary engineers and boiler operators occupation Number of Stationary engineers and boiler operators in the U.S. Salary and earnings for Stationary engineers and boiler operators Working conditions for Stationary engineers and boiler operators Significant points for Stationary engineers and boiler operators Training requirements for Stationary engineers and boiler operators Labor Information Home | Occupational data by city | Search Rainforests | Madagascar | What's new |