We Build Professional Technical Engineers
Who are we?
The Technical Engineers have been working in the Chicagoland and northwest Indiana region since January, 1962. In Indiana, we cover several counties including Lake, Porter, La Porte, Newton, Jasper, Starke, and Pulaski. Apprenticeship training consists of a combination of on-the-job training and classroom contact hours.
What is a Technical Engineer?
Technical Engineers perform control, preliminary and construction surveys to provide line and grade and to establish or re-establish base lines, center, and offset lines. They also establish bench marks and transfer of grades and elevation; set up and operate instruments including optical and electrical, line, distance, and grade devices; read and interpret architectural, civil, mechanical, and electrical drawing plans and specifications; perform the computations necessary to layout horizontal and vertical work points and control lines for the multiple trades that work on construction sites.
Oftentimes, the Technical Engineer can become the liaison between owner, general contractor, sub-contractor, and tradesmen. Other areas of construction in which Technical Engineers participate include steel mills, refineries, chemical plants, ethanol and biofuel facilities, power generating stations of all types, high-rise structures, tunnels, caissons, pipelines, rail facilities, highways and bridges, marine surveys, and commercial projects of various sorts.
Technical Engineers are an integral part of all phases of construction from the actual field work to and including the management positions of estimating, supervision, and project management.
How can I Prepare?
Individuals interested in becoming a Technical Engineer should prepare by taking plenty of math and science courses in high school. A strong foundation in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry is essential. The ability to work with numbers and perform mathematical computations accurately and quickly is very important. Mechanical drawing and computer aided drafting classes are also recommended in helping students to visualize and understand objects in both two and three dimensions. Other areas of study should include: earth sciences, geography, chemistry, physics, and computer literacy.
Apprenticeship Length
5 Years
Ivy Tech Degree
Not Eligible for Ivy Tech Degree
Apprenticeship Opportunities
Technical Division of Local 130
1400 West Washington Boulevard
Chicago, IL 60607-1821
Phone: 312-421-1010 Ext. 162
Technical Engineers Website: