Hand tools of all kinds  

Pressure and draft gages  

Steam flow meters  

Refrigeration equipment  

Carbon dioxide recorders  

Ventilation equipment  

Power tools  

Hydrometers  

Operating logs, charts & graphs  

Oil and grease  

Water softening agents and chemicals  

  OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES 

Stationary Engineers may specialize in these areas:

950.382-026 STATIONARY ENGINEERS operate and maintain stationary engines and mechanical equipment, such as steam engines, air compressors, generators, motors, turbines, and steam boilers to provide utilities or power for buildings and industrial processes. Stationary Engineers are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the equipment they operate. They must follow state and local laws governing use of their equipment.

950.382-026 STATIONARY DIESEL-ENGINE OPERATORS operate diesel engines that supply power for generators and other related plant equipment.

950.362-010 EXHAUSTER ENGINEERS operate turbine or steam-driven exhausters and pumps to draw gas from baking coal through coolers and into by-product refining plants.

950.362-014 REFRIGERATING ENGINEERS operate cooling systems to refrigerate or air-condition rooms, buildings, or industrial processes.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

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   WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS 

Stationary Engineers may work alone, operating and maintaining their equipment. In larger buildings or factories, they may direct the work of assistants or turbine operators. Stationary Engineers usually work indoors in engine rooms or power plants. Some are exposed to high temperatures, dust, dirt, oil, grease, and fumes. Servicing equipment may involve having to crawl inside boilers and work in crouching and kneeling positions. Others work in clean, well-lighted rooms with automatic or remote-controlled equipment and are only occasionally exposed to uncomfortable conditions while making repairs or adjustments.

Most Stationary Engineers work 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week. They may rotate shifts, weekends, and holidays to provide 24-hour service, 7 days per week.

Stationary Engineers may be members of a union such as the International Union of Operating Engineers of the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW). Union members must pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Working with your hands

• Activities of a routine, definite, and organized nature

• Activities relating to processes, machines, and techniques

You Should Be Able To:

• Make decisions based on measurable information

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• Perform a variety of duties which may change often

• Visualize how flat drawings would look as solid objects

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

• Calculate the work done by expanding 1kg of steam from a pressure of 0.2 MPa at a temperature of 200øC to a pressure of 0.1 MPa. Assume the process is adiabatic and reversible.

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

• When a bed of inert material is subjected to an evenly distributed air flow of air, the material is forced upwards and suspended in the gas stream. As the velocity of the gas increases, the bed becomes highly turbulent and rapid mixing of the particle occurs. The surface is no longer well-defined but appears to diffuse.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

• After inspecting a defected engine, prepare a report describing the problems and suggesting necessary corrective measures.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

• Analytical skills and be detail-oriented in inspecting and maintaining equipment.

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   EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES 

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent or a Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond high school) or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) or an Apprenticeship (usually three to four years of training beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

SCHOOL SUBJECTS

AUTOMOTIVE , BUILDING TRADES , CAREERS , COMMUNICATIONS , ELECTRONICS , ENGLISH , FOREIGN LANGUAGE , MATH , METALS , TECHNICAL DRAWING , TECHNOLOGY

CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION

036 HEATING/AIR/REFRIGERATION MECHANICS

Approved Career and Technical Education programs in Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics prepare students to install, repair, and maintain the operating condition of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. Instruction includes the theory and application of principles involved in conditioning of air; cooling, heating, filtering, and controlling humidity; the operating characteristics of various units and parts; blueprint reading; the use of technical reference manuals; the diagnosis of malfunctions; the overhaul, repair, and adjustment of units and parts such as pumps, compressors, valves, springs, and connections; and the repair of electric and pneumatic control systems. Courses in other trade and industrial programs may be required for completion of this program.

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area Career and Technical Education center.

POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS

098 MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY

Programs in Mechanical Technology provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in the design, manufacture, testing, operation, and maintenance of devices, tools, and mechanical equipment. Individuals who teach Mechanical Technology at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses will vary from school to school but may include:

  Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

 APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES

045 STATIONARY ENGINEER

Many people enter occupations within this MOIScript through an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program is a formal program that takes 3 - 5 years to complete with most of the time spent on the job. Apprenticeship programs for this occupation usually include:

WHAT IS LEARNED ON THE JOB

WHAT IS LEARNED IN THE CLASSROOM

Opportunities exist in military training for enlisted personnel to gain experience and to prepare for occupations.

MILITARY TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Please check Military website at http://www.myfuture.com .

MACHINISTS

Sometimes when engines or machines break down, the parts needed to repair them are not available. In these cases, the broken parts must be repaired or new ones made. Machinists make and repair metal parts for engines and all types of machines. They operate lathes, drill presses, grinders, and other machine shop equipment.

What They Do

Machinist in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Study blueprints or written plans of the parts to be made

• Set up and operate lathes to make parts such as shafts and gears

• Cut metal stock using power hacksaws and band saw

• Bore holes using drill presses

• Shape and smooth parts using grinders

• Measure work using micrometers, calipers, and depth gauges

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subjects include math, general science, metal working, and mechanical drawing. Helpful attributes include:

• Preference for working with the hands

• Interest in making things and finding solutions to mechanical problems

• Ability to apply mathematical formulas

Work Environment

Machinist work in machine shops, which are often noisy.

Training Provided

Job training consists of 10 to 12 weeks of classroom instruction, including practice in machine operation. Course content typically includes:

• machine types and uses

• Machine setup and operation

• Uses of different metals

• Safety procedures

Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses. The Army and Navy offer certified apprenticeship programs for this occupation.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian machinists work for factories and repair shops in many industries, including the electrical product, automotive, and heavy machinery industries. They perform duties similar to military machinists.

Opportunities

The services have about 1,500 machinists. On average, they need about 150 new machinists each year. After job training, machinists perform routine repairs under close supervision. In time, they perform more difficult repairs and may train others. Eventually, they may become managers of one or more machine shops.

E-Learning Courses and Programs

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   OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY  

Some cities in Michigan, such as Detroit, Dearborn, Lincoln Park, Trenton, Grand Rapids, and Saginaw require licensing. There are several classes of Stationary Engineer licenses, such as 1st, 2nd, and 3rd class, specifying the type and size of equipment the Engineer is licensed to operate. Applicants for licenses must meet experience requirements and pass a written, and possibly an oral, examination. Because of differences in requirements, a Stationary Engineer's license issued by one state or city may not be valid in another. However, the National Association of Power Engineers is now assisting many states in adopting a standardized licensing program.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

• informal apprenticeships

• mentorships

• job shadowing experiences

• touring a local Stationary Engineer employer

• internships

• volunteer work with a Stationary Engineer employer

• community service work with an agency

Secondary Career and Technical Education programs in heating/air/refrigeration mechanics may include co-op opportunities for practical experience. Postsecondary programs in mechanical technology may offer work-experience opportunities. Experience is available also through the military service or a formal apprenticeship program.

Stationary Engineers find jobs by completing approved apprenticeship programs, by applying directly to employers, as well as having prior related service in a branch of the military, or following up on job openings listed in newspaper want ads. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Talent Bank ( http://www.michworks.org/mtb/user/MTB_EMPL.EntryMainPage ) 

Michigan Jobs & Career Portal   

Classifieds Employment ( http://www.classifieds2000.com )  

Yahoo! Careers ( http://careers.yahoo.com/ )  

Michigan Dept. of Career Development ( http://www.michigan.gov/mdcd )  

Michigan Works! ( http://www.michiganworks.org/ )  

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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   EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Stationary Engineers vary by class, experience, the industry, unionization, and geographic location.

Nationally, the median weekly earnings of Stationary Engineers were $779 in 2001. Most of the experienced Stationary Engineers earned over $18.75 per hour (2001). The median weekly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $597 in 2001.

Base hourly earnings for Stationary Engineers working in the Automobile Industry ranged from $26.44 to $27.75 in mid 2002. In addition, these workers receive a cost-of-living allowance.

Stationary Engineers working for a large Michigan utility company earned a base hourly wage ranging from $22.16 to $24.40 mid 2002.

Apprentice Stationary Engineers usually start at a rate of pay which is about 60% of what a qualified Stationary Engineer earns.

Some employers provide cost-of-living allowances and additional pay for late shift work.

Depending on the employer, most Stationary Engineers receive paid vacations and holidays; life, accident, disability, and hospitalization insurance; retirement plans; and sick pay. Some may also receive dental and prescription drug benefits. In addition, depending on the employer, they may participate in employee stock ownership plans. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by employers.

Some 3 to 4 year apprenticeship programs qualify the apprentice for a 1st Class Stationary Engineer's license exam. Work experience and exams are usual requirements for advancement from high pressure boiler operator to other levels of Stationary Engineer.

Most employers not only encourage skill improvement training for employees, but also pay for it. Training is also customarily provided when new equipment in introduced. The attainment of higher class certifications or licenses can greatly increase promotional prospects to supervisory levels.

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   EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK 

Nationally, there were about 57,200 Stationary Engineers employed in 2000. Employment of Stationary Engineers is expected to decline through the year 2010. Some openings are expected each year as Engineers retire, die, or transfer to other lines of work. The industry distribution for Stationary Engineer looked like this:

The trend towards the use of larger, more automatic equipment tends to decrease the number of Stationary Engineers needed to operate a plant. Since automatic equipment may require more maintenance, however, the difference in the number of jobs may be slight.

There are approximately 1,100 Stationary Engineers employed in Michigan. Stationary Engineers worked in manufacturing and processing plants, airports, large commercial and government buildings, schools, apartment buildings, hospitals and utility plants.

 Employment of Stationary Engineers in Michigan is expected to decline through the year 2008. An average of 20 openings is expected annually, all due to replacement of Engineers who retire, die or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as Engineers transfer to other jobs or occupations. In late 2001, there were 83 apprentices in training for this occupation, and 10 completed the apprentice program during the prior 12 months.

Industrial growth will result in an increased use of large boilers and auxiliary equipment in factories, power plants, and other buildings. The need for additional Stationary Engineers, however, will be limited by the trend toward more powerful and more centralized equipment. TV monitors will reduce the need for some on-site inspectors, and automatic controls will increase the efficiency of Stationary Engineers.

Michigan's Employment Outlook to 2008

  EMPLOYMENT                  NUMBER        PERCENT    PROJECTED YEARLY

  REGION                              EMPLOYED    GROWTH    JOB OPENINGS  

  Ann Arbor Area                    30                     -6.2               1

  Battle Creek Area                 25                     -13.0             0

  Benton Harbor Area              25                       0.0              1

  Detroit MSA                         720                   -12.8            15

  Flint Area                              70                     -18.6            1

  Grand Rapids Area               30                         0.0            1

  Jackson Area                        25                       -4.0             1

  Kalamazoo Area                   10                       -9.1             0

  Lansing MSA                        30                       -3.4            1

  Northwest Lower Peninsula   10                        0.0             0

  Saginaw MSA                       50                      -13.7           1

  Upper Peninsula                    25                       -7.7             1

  West Central Michigan          10                        0.0             0

 MSA designates a Metropolitan Statistical Area  

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   SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

Printed occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below:

Copyright © 2003 Michigan Department of Career Development