Operating Engineers Local 139 represents over 10,000 heavy equipment operators in the construction industry throughout the State of Wisconsin. An integral part of Local 139’s commitment to provide highly skilled operators is a comprehensive training program widely recognized as one of the best in the industry. Operating Engineers is a recognized leader in organized labor’s efforts to improve the standards of living of workers and their families.The Local 139 apprenticeship program is meant to accommodate heavy equipment operators with little to no experience in the field. With a total of 6,000 hours of on-the-job training for the entry-level operator, experience levels are broken down into four 1500-hour pay periods. This allows applicants with limited experience to be placed at a level appropriate for them.