While some heavy equipment operators learn their trade through formal training programs, many are trained on the job, in the military, or through a three or four year apprenticeship. For each year of the apprenticeship program, apprentices must have at least 144 hours of technical instruction and 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training. After completing an apprenticeship program, apprentices are considered journey workers. Some unions and contractor associations sponsor apprenticeship programs.