Tray Former Apprentice - Clamshell - Day Shift

Clamshell Operator Apprentice

The Clamshell Operator Apprentice is an entry-level production role responsible for learning the safe operation, setup support, packing, feeding, and quality inspection processes for clamshell hot melt equipment. This role builds foundational knowledge of machine safety, product quality standards, material handling, and basic machine functions while supporting Operators and Leads in daily production activities.

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

• Learns and follows all machine safety procedures, including proper use of cut gloves, identification of nip points, safety guards, E-stops, safety chains, and hot melt system safety
• Follows all safety related policies, rules, regulations, technical instructions, and guidelines at all times. Uses situational awareness and identify unsafe behaviors and conditions.
• Follows all instructions issued on the work jacket and advises supervisor of any incorrect or non-recorded information that is necessary for proper set-up and operation
• Follows all checklist procedures fully, stores all parts in their proper place, and recommends replacement or repair of worn parts by alerting lead, supervisor or maintenance
• Learns to set up machine in a consistent manner as instructed in the training program, follows the procedures with regard to proper set up unless the training is changed and properly recorded with regard to procedure
• Assists with setup activities including corrugated preparation, sticker placement, glue tank refills, salvage handling, recycling waste, and use of the down-stroke baler
• Learns to make machine adjustments in order to maintain machine at safety, quality, and production standards
• Learns feeding operations including shaking product, bending blanks when needed, filling the feed system, storing tie sheets, and calling stock pullers
• Supports packing operations by identifying good and bad trays, performing tape machine setup, completing line clearance procedures, and maintaining clean work areas
• Responsible for the quality of the product, packaging, labeling, and stocking
• Completes 20-minute sample checks and documents results using required computer procedures (i.e., print accuracy and quality, cuts, scores, glue application, folds, tray appearance)
• Uses computer system to log productivity and remarks on job, accurately completes production report and record production data and downtime
• Analyzes and corrects production problems, using all of the enhanced tools available contacting the supervisor for assistance when necessary
• Documents and reporta all non-conforming product to supervisor or lead or quality person
• Responsible for all equipment, tools assigned, and notifies the supervisor of any additional tools or equipment that would add to the efficiency and safety of the operation
• Learns sample storage procedures and use of pressure check systems such as Champ Paks
• Utilizes CoCo or Radius system for job lookup, login, item selection, and schedule review
• Learns how to read and understand job tickets including BPU, RPM, case count, stacking configuration, special instructions, and board caliper
• Learns machine start, jog, reverse jog, stop, and reset functions on TFC-7 and TFC-8 equipment
• Develops basic PLC knowledge including screen navigation, vacuum control, lane setup, speed changes, feed air functions, UV controls, and purge/test functions
• Learns basic glue bonding adjustments including glue gun adjustments, compression rollers, and compression cages
• Learns to troubleshoot, diagnose, and assists in repair of machine malfunctions; performs routine cleaning, and maintenance

Communicates well with other team members

• Wears appropriate PPE for the task and the area.
• Welcomes updates and improvements to processes and follow new procedures and innovations, which would add to the efficiency and safety of the operation
• Performs work in a manner that keeps down time to a minimum
• Keeps all necessary supplies available
• Maintains a clean work environment in accordance with Food Safety and 5S systems
• May be asked to help with duties in other areas or departments

Supervisory responsibilities:

This job has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Development indicators:

• Consistently follows all safety procedures without reminders
• Correctly identifies quality defects and escalates concerns promptly
• Demonstrates understanding of machine startup, stop, and jog functions
• Completes packing and feeder support tasks with minimal supervision
• Accurately performs sample checks and documentation requirements
• Shows increased confidence using CoCo or Radius, job tickets, and PLC basic functions
• Maintains clean, organized work areas and supports line efficiency
• Demonstrates readiness to progress into independent machine setup support

Qualifications:

Education and/or experience:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred
• One (1) to three (3) months' related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Basic computer skills and possess…