At the Ohio Operating Engineers Apprenticeship Program, we are always encouraging women of all ages to join the trades. In 2019, we decided to create an event specifically for women. Our SheDig initiative is a way for young women to get to experience a day-in-the-life of an Operating Engineer. Attendees and chaperones get to run several pieces of equipment, such as backhoes, loaders, dozers, forklifts, skid steers, excavators, cranes and many more. They will also meet our apprenticeship instructors and other experienced members of the Operating Engineers and have opportunities to talk and ask questions about a possible career path. All attendees are sent home with a SheDig t-shirt, commemorative photo with frame, as well as other swag and information about our apprenticeship program.

During our 2024 events, we saw just under 800 young women around the state! This was our 4th-annual event, and we have seen growth in participation each year. This event is held at each training site every year during the fall. Our hope is to continue to pique interest to grow the number of women in our trade.

Special thanks to our contractor sponsors, as well as OHIO811 for their participation.

The dates & locations for 2025 are as follows:

  • Miamisburg, OH — September 18 & 19
    4520 Soldiers Home Miamisburg Rd
    Miamisburg, OH 45342

  • Logan, OH — September 23, 24 & 25
    20410 Strawn Rd
    Logan, OH 43138

  • Cygnet, OH — September 30, October 1 & 2
    9435 Cygnet Rd
    Cygnet, OH 43413

  • Richfield, OH — October 29 & 30
    4675 Newton Rd
    Richfield, OH 44286

For more information about SheDig, and to register, visit www.shedigohio.com or email admin@shedigohio.com.

The Ohio Operating Engineers Apprenticeship Program is a 4-year apprenticeship for Local 18. The work of an Operating Engineer is divided into two general classifications: Operating Equipment and Repairing Equipment. Operating Engineers operate equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, articulated dump trucks, forklift and cranes. This equipment is used while constructing roads, dams, bridges and building. Operating Engineers assist in the building of our cities and the building of our communities. Not only do Operating Engineers run the equipment used for all these projects, but as the equipment wears down and needs maintenance and repair, we do that too! With special knowledge and training, we have the experience and the ability to do what it takes to get the equipment back to its operational capacity, and back being productive on the project.

Working as Operating Engineer is an excellent and exciting career choice for men AND women. Our apprenticeship program offers you the choice to become a Heavy Equipment Operator, or a Heavey Equipment Mechanic.

The equipment Operator and Maintenance technician are two separate programs, each with their own requirements, both with their own rewards. Both programs offer the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and develop the skills needed and necessary to be successful in the trade.

This program is an INDUSTRY SPONSORED AND FUNDED registered Apprenticeship Training Program. If accepted, you will receive extensive training, at no cost to you.

For more information about the Apprenticeship Program, visit www.local18training.com or email centraloffice@local18training.com.

This article was written by:
Shelby Black, Ohio Operating Engineers, Apprenticeship and Training
sblack@local18training.com