Due to the increasing complexity of the equipment with which they work, many stationary engineers take related college courses. Still, it takes many years of formal training or work experience to become a skilled stationary engineer without graduating from a union apprenticeship program.
Apprenticeship is an excellent way to learn the craft and to earn income while learning.
The system is designed to give someone who knows little or nothing about the trade the knowledge to become a master. The average length of a stationary engineer apprenticeship is four years. This training is critical to preparing apprentices to qualify for stationary engineer licenses, which are required by most states. Pay increases are scheduled at designated times during the progression of apprentices to journeymen. Journeymen stationary engineers are encouraged to continue their education in order to broaden their skills, keep abreast of changes in the industry and increase their employability.