Education

Educational Opportunities through IUOE

 Upcoming registration and events

 2010 Fall Term registration
August 9-13 & August 16-20, 2010  More Info | Enrollment Form

 

CFC Refrigerant Recovery Certification Program
October 16, 2010 - must register by September 30, 2010  More Info

 

Low Pressure Boiler Program & High Pressure Boiler Operator Program Testing:
August 9th or 10th, 2010 - 10:45AM or 4:45 PM
For more information Please Contact the Education Center Office at (313) 532-5345

 


Stationary Engineers Education Center

Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday:  10AM - 6PM; Wednesday and Friday: 8AM-4PM

Message from the Director:

Welcome to the Stationary Engineers Education Center – Local 324, International Union of Operating Engineers (I.U.O.E.). For more than 30 years the Education Center has provided top quality training to prepare students for the Stationary Engineering and Commercial/Industrial Refrigeration & HVAC operational fields. Thousands of students have graduated from our training program and have gone on to experience rewarding careers. Others have come to the Education Center to update their skills as required.

The Stationary Engineers Education Center’s solid commitment to excellence in training continues into the 21st century as we enhance our programs on an ongoing basis to meet the needs of our students.

In addition to training initiatives, the Education Center offers workshops and seminars designed to further prepare our students for satisfying, successful careers. Other courses including CPR, IAQ, Energy Conservation, Basic Computers, Engineering Calculations and Homeland Security are offered to enhance individuals' careers.

We welcome inquiries from those who wish to enroll in any of our programs or to be placed on our mailing list for notices of future course offerings. Please do not hesitate to contact us regarding any interest you have in developing your career in Stationary Engineering.

Lee Graham
Director of Education
and Apprenticeship Training

About the Center

Our Mission of Educational Excellence

The mission of the Stationary Engineers Education Center-Local 324, I.U.O.E. is to provide the necessary technically related classroom instruction to produce qualified personnel for the Stationary Engineering and Commercial/Industrial Refrigeration & H.V.A.C. operational fields. Education Center programs include initial training for persons desiring to enter the craft and upgrading courses in all phases of stationary engineering and building operations. The Education Center also sponsors workshops and seminars covering various aspects both of the Stationary Engineering and HVAC crafts.

The Stationary Engineers Organization

Established in 1970, the Stationary Engineers Education Center-Local 324, I.U.O.E. operates under a Joint Union-Management Trust Fund as a non-profit private post-secondary vocational school, licensed by the State of Michigan. Instructors are selected on the basis of licenses, experience in the craft and specialized training. Their qualifications are on file with the State of Michigan. The Education Center consists of 7000 square feet, containing 2 offices, 6 classrooms and 1 breakroom.

What is a Stationary Engineer?

 

Stationary Engineers maintain and operate the equipment that provides power for industry, heating and air conditioning for factories, hospitals, office buildings, hotels, shopping malls, schools and electrical power generation. Some of the pieces of equipment that you might operate and maintain are low and high-pressure steam boilers, diesel engines, turbines, generators, pumps, condensers and compressors. Stationary Engineers monitor the various meters, gauges and controls that are attached to the equipment to make sure that they are running properly and make adjustments whenever necessary for proper efficiency. They also perform routine maintenance work such as repairing valves, pumps and other equipment.

 

Working conditions vary depending on the plant, engine room or boiler room. However, some Stationary Engineers are exposed to high or low temperatures, dust, dirt, oil, grease, and fumes or smoke from the equipment. They also may be required to crawl into boilers or tanks to clean, inspect and repair them. (The standard manhole opening is 15 inches by 11 inches) In small coal fired plants that have only one engineer, shoveling coal and ashes may be one of the engineer’s duties. The equipment is usually running seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day and must be attended around the clock. The Stationary Engineer may be assigned to one of three shifts and may be required to work on weekends and holidays. Stationary Engineers have many responsibilities and are in charge of very expensive equipment so they must perform their craft in a safe an efficient manner.

 

Some states and municipalities (including the City of Detroit) require that persons working in the Stationary Engineering craft be licensed. The City of Detroit has six (6) levels in the field of steam operation from Low Pressure Boiler Operator to First Class Stationary Engineer and three (3) levels of refrigeration operation from a Third Class Refrigeration Operator to First Class Refrigeration Operator. The normal procedure to achieve the highest level licenses (First Class Stationary Engineer and First Class Refrigeration Operator) is to progress through the lower license classifications first. This normally takes three months to two years of work experience to get started and six to eight years of experience along with continued education to get to the First Class license. Persons who successfully complete our four year apprenticeship are eligible to take the tests for First Class Stationary Engineer and First Class Refrigeration Operator Licenses.

 

What is a HVAC Engineer?

 

HVAC Engineers install, maintain, troubleshoot and service Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning systems for industry, hospitals, office buildings, residential homes, hotels/motels, shopping malls and schools, just to name a few. Some of the equipment that you may work with would be roof top heating and cooling units, heat pumps, water coolers, window unit air conditioners, refrigeration compressors, motors and pumps.

 

Working conditions vary depending upon the equipment and its location. However, many HVAC Engineers are exposed to high and/or low temperatures, dust, dirt, fumes, oil, grease, and smoke from the equipment. They may also be required to climb ladders to roof tops, enter small spaces through manholes (the standard opening is 15 inches by 11 inches) and be exposed to refrigerants and/or other chemicals in the course of their daily routine. HVAC engineers are responsible for very expensive and environmentally sensitive equipment, so they must perform their duties in a safe, efficient and responsible manner at all times.

 

Some states and municipalities (including the City of Detroit) require that persons working in the HVAC field be licensed. Persons who successfully complete an approved four year apprenticeship program will be eligible to test for an Unlimited Refrigeration Journeyman License and a First Class Refrigeration Operator License.

 

APPRENTICESHIPS

 

The Stationary Engineer Education Center offers two apprenticeship programs. These are both 4-year programs that consist of a minimum 7,000 hours of on-the-job training as well as related classroom instruction. The combination of on-the-job training under the guidance of a First Class Stationary Engineer or Journeyperson and classroom instruction allow the apprentice to develop their skills and knowledge and gives the apprentice a variety of experience. Apprentices are governed by the Apprenticeship Standards set by the Joint Apprenticeship Committee. Both programs are approved by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship.

 

Stationary Engineering Apprenticeship Program                                                 1188 Hours

 

Four Years ~ 2 courses each semester ~ 4 semesters per year

 

This apprenticeship is a four year program sponsored by the Metro-Detroit Area Stationary Engineers Joint Apprenticeship Committee covering all phases of Stationary Engineering.

 

Apprentices attend 1188 clock hours of classroom instruction and a minimum of 7,000 hours of on-the-job training.

 

Selection is on a competitive point basis that evaluates testing, work related experience, education background, and interviews.

 

Upon graduation from the program, graduates are eligible to apply for a City of Detroit First Class Stationary Engineer and First Class Refrigeration Operators Licenses.

 

 

HVAC Engineer Apprenticeship Program                                                                                    1408 Hours

 

Four Years ~ 2 courses each semester ~ 4 semesters per year

 

This apprenticeship is a four year program sponsored by the Metro-Detroit Area HVAC Engineers Joint Apprenticeship Committee covering all phases of Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Engineering.

 

Apprentices attend 1408 hours of classroom instruction and a minimum of 7,000 hours of on-the-job training.

 

Selection is on a competitive point basis that evaluates testing, work related experience, education background, and interviews.

 

Upon graduation from the program, graduates are eligible to apply for City of Detroit First Class Refrigeration Operator, Refrigeration Journeyperson and High Pressure Boiler Operator Licenses.


PROGRAMS & DESCRIPTIONS

 

The Stationary Engineer Education Center offers a variety of programs, enrichment and upgrade courses in all phases of Stationary Engineering and HVAC. Seminars and workshops are also sponsored covering various aspects of both the Stationary Engineering and HVAC craft.

 

High Pressure Boiler Operator Program      352 Hours = Two classes for each of Four Terms

An entry-level program for the Stationary Engineering field.  Waives two years of work experience required by the City of Detroit Licensing Examiner.

 

Subjects include boiler types and construction, accessories, pumps, calculations, theory, operation and safety along with scheduled plant tours.

 

The program consists of four 11-week terms (one year), two courses per term, two days/ nights per week, four hours each day, for a total of 44 Hours for each course.

 

Term I        Boilers I

Math I & Safety

Term II        Boiler Auxiliaries & Accessories

Electricity, Pumps & Compressors

Term III       Practical Heat & Math Review

Burners, Furnaces & Fuels

Term IV      Boilers II

Directed Study Project 

 

Successful completion of the eight courses will waive the two years work experience requirement for a City of Detroit High Pressure Boiler Operator License Examination. A Certificate of Completion will be issued upon successful completion of the program. A basic math and mechanical comprehension skills pretest must be passed before registering for this program. Testing fee is $20 (Money Order only) paid at time of testing. 

New students enter the program in the Fall Term only.

 

 

Low Pressure Boiler Operator Program      220 Hours = Two classes for Term I & II; One class for Term III

 

DOES NOT waive any work experience requirements for any local municipal licensing agency.

 

An entry-level program for students who have no previous experience but would like to learn the basics required for safe and efficient operation of low pressure boilers.   A basic math and mechanical comprehension skills pretest must be passed before registering for this program. Testing fee is $20 (Money Order only) paid at time of testing.  New students enter the program in the Fall Term only.   

 

The program consists of three, 11-week terms, two courses for Term I & II; one course for Term III, two days/nights per week, four hours each day, for a total of 44 Hours for each course.

 

Term I        Boilers I,

Math I & Safety

Term II        Boiler Auxiliaries & Accessories

Electricity,  Pumps & Compressors

Term III       Burners, Furnaces & Fuels  

 

 

 

Third Class Stationary Engineer Program       352 Hours = One class for each of Eight Terms

 

DOES NOT waive any work experience requirements for any local municipal licensing agency.

 

An advanced training program

Individuals possessing a High Pressure Boiler Operator License and are in need of the information and knowledge to become a Third Class Stationary Engineer.

 

The program consists of eight, 11-week terms, (two years) one course per term, one day per week, four hours per day.

            Term I                        (44 Hours)  Practical Heat, Water Chemistry

            Term II                       (44 Hours)  Fuels & Combustion, Turbines

            Term III                      (44 Hours)  Boilers & Controls

            Term IV                     (44 Hours)  Auxiliaries & Accessories, Electricity & Motors

            Term V                       (44 Hours)  Indoor Air Quality Solutions I*

            Term VI                      (44 Hours)  Indoor Air Quality Solutions II*

            Term VII                     (44 Hours)  General Building Maintenance I

            Term VIII                    (44 Hours)  Building Automation*     

 

A Certificate of Completion will be issued upon successful completion of the program.

Students must possess a High Pressure Boiler License or be a graduate of the Education Center's High Pressure Operator Program to enter this program.

 

Completion of this program will waive the work experience requirements for the State of Michigan Board of Boiler Rules and the applicant can apply for an examination as a registered 3rd Class Stationary Engineer.

 

*IAQ - Indoor Air Quality      2 Terms - 88  Hours

Is also available to students without enrolling in the 3rd Steam Program.

 

This comprehensive, specialized training course equips Stationary Engineers with the means to prevent most air quality problems before they happen and to mitigate those problems that do occur. Students who complete the course will be fully prepared to: operate a preventative maintenance program, conduct regular visual inspections, test and balance a system, utilize advanced techniques for environmental analysis, use a preventive maintenance log, prepare streamlined checklists and an IAQ log, implement a step-by-step system to resolve occupants' complaints, adopt a practical and realistic approach to air monitoring.

 

 

*Building Automation                                  1 Term - 44 Hours

Is also available to students without enrolling in the 3rd Steam Program.

 

Program Prerequisite:  Basic Computer Skills (No Former Training or Other Computer Classes Required)

 

Review of how the equipment used in modern heating plants, power plants, air conditioning plants and other ventilation systems can operate with maximum efficiency by the use of automated computer controls. This course will cover the systems used to automate routine operations of the plant as well as access control systems, security systems and voice-data-video systems.

Advanced Steam Program       396 Hours = One class for each of Nine Terms

 

DOES NOT waive any work experience requirements for any local municipal licensing agency.

 

For individuals in need of the information and knowledge in advanced Stationary Engineering. Subjects include fuel systems, math calculations, power boilers, turbines, electrical distribution, pollution control, water treatment, a directed study project, along with scheduled plant tours.

 

The program consists of nine 11-week terms (two years), one course per term, one day per week, four hours each day.

 

Term I                     (44 Hours)  Math Review, Study Techniques, Practical Heat

Term II                   (44 Hours)  Steam Power Plant Review

Term III                  (44 Hours)  Turbines & Electricity

Term IV                  (44 Hours)  Fuels & Combustion, Water Chemistry & Treatment

Term V                   (44 Hours)  Boilers, Auxiliaries & Accessories

Term VI                  (44 Hours)  Plant Drawings & Blueprint Reading

Term VII                 (44 Hours)  Math & Engineering Calculations

Term VIII                 (44 Hours)  Power plant Simulator, Plant Tours, Directed Study

Term IX                  (44 Hours)  Facilities Management*

             

A Certificate of Completion will be issued upon successful completion of this program.

 

Students must possess at least a Third Class Stationary Engineer License or be a graduate of the Education Center's 3rd Class Stationary Engineer Program to enter this program.

 

Completion of this program will waive the work experience requirements for the State of Michigan Boiler Rules and the applicant can apply for an examination as a registered 1st Class Stationary Engineer after completion of the following:

               Clock Hours

1st Class Stationary Engineers Program                      396

3rd Class stationary Engineers Program                       352

High Pressure Boiler Operator Program                       352