Located in Howell, Michigan, Local 324's Howell Education Center is situated on a 515-acre campus with approximately 30,000 square feet of administration, technical and shop areas in three buildings. Twelve full-time instructors provide training across the broad spectrum of 324's work from GPS-enhanced equipment to Hazmat, MSHA, Distribution, CCO Training and Certification, and its unique Raising Gang Program. Currently, there are over 50 pieces of equipment on-site and 79 indentured apprentices.

The Raising Gang Program is the result of collaboration between Operating Engineers Local 324, Great Lakes Fabricators and Erectors Association and Iron Workers Local 25. Local 324 provided the Manitowoc III and the other two groups provided the funding for the building pad and anchor bolts, and the six-bay, six-story, structural steel building. This training involves a gang of apprentice ironworkers with their instructor working with an apprentice operator and instructor to learn the skills needed to erect iron. There is no other program like this in the country.

For more information about Local 324's heavy equipment operator training school, visit our website by clicking here.