IUOE Local 612

05/05/2026

🚜💛 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SEATTLE DOZER DAY! 💛🚜
It’s all hands on deck — and we need YOU to help bring the magic to life!
🔹 Operators needed for Saturday & Sunday shifts, May 16th & 17th at the Washington State Fairgrounds in Puyallup.

Donate your time. Make a huge impact. Be part of something amazing.

Operators Register Here for a half day or the weekend: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019c1052a9347c3291f857457c7f0eec

05/01/2026

In addition to today being the last day of National Apprentice Week, it's also May Day! Did you know that anyone alive 88 years and older typically were required to work shifts well beyond the 8 hour day we've all come accustomed to without additional compensation or overtime pay? Take a look at our poster below for a glimpse into the past and to learn about how Unions are still going to bat for workers!

05/01/2026

Today we will be bringing National Apprentice Week to a close by featuring a Member who just recently completed his apprenticeship and became a Journeyman. Congratulations Austin!

🔧 Transition from Apprentice to Journeyman
• When did it really “click” for you that you were no longer the apprentice?
I was dispatched to ACI and really felt right at home as part of the team.
• Did you feel fully prepared coming out of the program?
Yes I do.
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🚧 Training vs. Real-World Work
• What skills from the apprenticeship have you used the most so far?
The skills I learned in Grade checking class are skills I use all the time.
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🏗️ Jobsite Expectations
• What makes a solid journeyman in your opinion?
Giving a dang about what you do. We are brothers and sisters, should treat each other as such, and take pride in what we do.

• How important is production vs. precision in your current role? It’s subjective, the job I’m currently on requires consideration and the ability to know when each needs to be prioritized without having to be told. Looking ahead and keeping the project mindset helps me be proactive rather than reactive.
________________________________________
🔥 Real Talk / Reflection
• What was the hardest part of the apprenticeship that people don’t talk about?
The hardest part about the program was taking a temporary pay cut to join the apprenticeship, but it was an investment in my future to better provide for myself and my family. I knew the short-term sacrifice would be worth it in the long run.

• What separates the apprentices who make it from the ones who don’t? The ones who are willing to put the work in will be successful. Genuinely caring about what you do and taking pride in your workmanship will pay dividends.
________________________________________

📣 Bonus Round:
• What’s one piece of advice every current apprentice in IUOE Local 612 needs to hear?
Don’t let yourself get in the way. No matter where you are or who you are, if you’re not willing to be committed to growth you won’t see it.

04/30/2026

🚧 Apprentice Spotlight: Jaycob Kelly 🚧

We’re proud to recognize Jaycob Kelly, an IUOE Local 612 apprentice putting in the hours and building a strong future in the trades. 🇺🇸

⏱️ Hours in Program: 1,800

💬 Why IUOE?
“I worked non-union running equipment, and multiple coworkers encouraged me to go union—specifically the apprenticeship program.”

🏗️ Experience Coming In:
Jaycob brought 4 years of hands-on experience working in a gravel pit and quarry, operating loaders to feed plants and load trucks after graduating high school.

💪 Program Experience:
“The journeymen I’ve worked with are very supportive and patient. They make sure I fully understand a task before expecting me to complete it.”

📚 What He Enjoys Most:
“The instructors are very knowledgeable and make it easy to learn.”

⚙️ Biggest Challenge:
“Getting out of my comfort zone and learning new skills.”

🏆 Proudest Accomplishment:
“With the help of the training center, I’ve earned all the crane certifications I set out to get—and I’ve already had opportunities to work in the field I want to pursue.”

🤝 Support & Mentorship:
“I’ve had great luck with supportive journeymen and instructors who genuinely want to see me succeed.”

✅ Confidence in the Program:
Jaycob says he couldn’t ask for better support and feels confident in his future in the trade.

📢 Advice for New Apprentices:
“Don’t be afraid to walk onto a job and get your name out there.”
Jaycob’s drive and willingness to step outside his comfort zone are what this program is all about.

Keep up the strong work! 👊

04/29/2026

We’re proud to highlight another hardworking member of IUOE Local 612—Ethan Kerilla—who’s building his future through the apprenticeship program and helping build America along the way.
🎿 Favorite Hobby: Fishing
🎮 Go-To Weekend Activity: Hiking and fishing

💬 Why IUOE?
With deep union roots, Ethan was drawn to the brotherhood and support that comes with the trade. His interest in hoisting and machinery moving made IUOE a natural fit.
💪 What He Enjoys Most:
The sense of accomplishment that comes with seeing the process of getting a project from start to finish.
🚛 Proudest Accomplishment:
Recently acquired his CDL.
✅ Confidence in the Program:
Ethan likes all the crews he works with. “It makes it more fun instead of feeling like a job.”
📢 Advice for New Apprentices:
“Be a go-getter and work hard. Do stuff without having to be asked.”

04/28/2026

We’re proud to highlight another hardworking member of IUOE Local 612—Brady Neil—who’s building his future through the apprenticeship program and helping build America along the way. 🇺🇸

🎿 Favorite Hobby: Snowboarding

🎧 Current Favorite Song: “Until the Sun Explodes” – Sublime

🎮 Go-To Weekend Activity: Gaming

📺 Favorite Show: Rick and Morty

💬 Why IUOE?
“Because it was an easily accessible way to start a career, and I had some friends in it telling me about it.”

💪 What He Enjoys Most:
“The people I’ve met and the knowledge they’ve given me to help make my job easier.”

🚛 Proudest Accomplishment:
Earning his CDL

✅ Confidence in the Program:
Brady feels he has the resources he needs to succeed—and is confident about his future in the trade.

📢 Advice for New Apprentices:
“Show up on time ha-ha.”

04/27/2026

Today we shine the spotlight on Mitchell Lewis!


ABOUT
Mitchell Lewis represents the next generation of skilled operators—dedicated, hardworking, and grounded in what matters most. He values family time and enjoys camping outdoors.

WHAT DRIVES HIM
"I’m thankful that the IUOE Local 612 Apprenticeship Program encourages continual growth."

OFF THE CLOCK
• Family Time
• Camping
• "Wasted On You" – Morgan Wallen

APPRENTICE ADVICE
"Maintain your focus. Show up, be reliable, ask questions, and network. Staying focused gives you the best opportunity to grow."

04/27/2026

This week marks National Apprenticeship Week—a time to recognize the hard work, dedication, and craftsmanship of apprentices across the country.

IUOE Local 612 is proud to shine the spotlight on a few of our outstanding apprentices who are out there everyday building America from the ground up. Through long hours, hands-on training, and a commitment to excellence, they represent the future of our trade and the strength of our union.

These men and women aren’t just learning a skill—they’re building careers, supporting their families, and living the American Dream. We’re honored to support their journey and celebrate their contributions this week and every week.

Stay tuned as we continue highlighting the next generation of operating engineers.

If you know a IUOE Local 612 Apprentice, nominate them to be featured!

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04/14/2026

🚧 **Calling All Equipment Operators – Volunteers for Dozer Days!** 🚧 May 16th-17th 2026

We’re getting ready for **Dozer Days** and are looking for IUOE **equipment operators** to help bring this event to life!

This is your chance to make an impact—by showing young people what it’s really like to run heavy equipment. From dozers to excavators, you’ll help kids experience the power, precision, and pride that comes with being an operator.

👷 **How you can help:**
• Operate equipment and demonstrate real-world skills
• Guide youth through safe, hands-on experiences
• Share your story and what you love about the work
• Inspire the next generation of operators

There’s nothing like seeing a kid’s face light up when they get behind the controls—and you can be the one who sparks that moment.

💛 Help us plant the seed for future operators and show why this career path is both rewarding and essential.

👉 Interested in volunteering? Follow the link to register and sign up for a shift or two!

https://seattle.dozerday.org/volunteer/

If you have questions or are having trouble registering, contact: Chris Hall @ 253-365-8512

Dozer Day Seattle

04/08/2026

IUOE Local 612 Operating Engineers Getting it done! , , https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Ccg9kk9rm/

04/02/2026

IUOE Local 612 Stands with WSDOT as we honor and remember the 61 lives lost in the line of duty since 1950. Construction is inherently dangerous -but work zones are one place where every driver can make a difference. Please slow down. Stay alert. Lives depend on it.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ai82Y2W4h/

This isn't just a field full of barrels. It's a memorial honoring the 61 WSDOT employees who have been killed on the job since 1950 -- one barrel for each life lost.

Every year, the first of April marks the start of our month-long Work Zone Safety Awareness Month campaign. Far too many of our colleagues have faced near misses, serious injuries or the loss of a co-worker... all for simply doing their job.

Throughout the month, we will share stories from our frontline crews, take you behind the scenes for a look at what it's like to work inside a work zone, and post ongoing reminders to slow down and pay attention.

It’s not just road crews at risk in work zones: Nearly 94% of people injured in work zone crashes are drivers, their passengers or nearby pedestrians. It is in everyone’s interest to pay attention and drive safely.

As you see our trucks and orange vests out and about this spring and summer, please give them room to work safely, slow down, put down the phone and never drive under the influence. One poor decision can have devastating consequences.

We want every member of our crew, maintenance supervisor, contractor, and bridge inspector to go home to their loved ones at the end of their shifts.

By the way, you can see this memorial on the capitol campus in Olympia the entire month of April.

11/11/2025

Local 612 would like to take a moment to honor all the brave men and women who have served our country, and the hard working veterans who are part of the Operating Engineers.