President Preckwinkle and Cook County Bureau of Asset Management Announce Facilities Management Engineer Trainee Program in Partnership with IUOE Local 399

Today, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the Cook County Bureau of Asset Management were joined by County Commissioners and representatives from IUOE Local 399 to announce the Facilities Management Engineer Trainee Program in partnership with IUOE Local 399.

The Facilities Management Engineer Trainee Program was created to expose participants to the field of operational and stationary engineering. The program costs approximately $1,800,000 a year to operate, leveraging funds received by the American Rescue Plan Act, and provides trainees experience at Cook County facilities.

In partnership with IUOE Local 399, the training program provides hands-on experience in the field of operating engineering and aims to recruit participants from underrepresented communities. During the three-year program, 20 trainees will build the necessary skills in a real work environment to meet entry qualifications and successfully test for licensing.

“We are pleased to announce this new workforce development program, which is bringing the field of operating engineering to a diverse group of people,” said President Preckwinkle. “We are grateful to Local 399 for their partnership in this training program.”

With a focus towards equity in the operating engineering trade, program participants perform engineering duties with oversight and direction of senior engineers.

“This program gives trainees hands-on, on the job experience, which is a valuable tool in jump-starting their career as an operating engineer,” said Roger McGinty, Business Representative for Local 399. “Thank you, President Preckwinkle, for having the foresight and vision to create a trainee program that allows equal opportunities for a career path in Engineering.”

Trainees take required courses under the program, such as, Building Automation Systems, sustainability and emerging tech, safety and OSHA regulations, HVACR operation and maintenance, regulatory compliance, and workplace communication and leadership. Once this cohort of participants matriculates in three years, the County plans to continue this program.