Maintenance Apprentice - Journeyman Level

Maintenance Techs - Apprentice to Journeyman Level Needed

The Maintenance Apprentice plays a key role in installing equipment, maintaining mechanical systems, and repairing machines within a high-volume manufacturing plant. This structured apprenticeship program requires logging 2,000 hours of on-the-job learning each year, successfully completing formal training at Montcalm Community College (MCC) with a grade of C or higher, and maintaining accurate written logs. The role focuses on learning and applying safe procedures while working with presses, welders, robots, and other industrial machinery.

Responsibilities:

• Install equipment and machinery according to safety standards and operational requirements.
• Maintain mechanical systems to ensure reliable and efficient plant operations.
• Diagnose and repair machines, presses, and related equipment to minimize downtime.
• Log 2,000 hours of on-the-job learning each year as part of the formal apprenticeship program.
• Complete MCC apprenticeship coursework with a C or higher and submit passing grades alongside the application to HR.
• Maintain a written log of work performed, training completed, and skills developed.
• Learn and follow safe procedures for working with presses, welders, robots, and other industrial machinery.
• Assist with troubleshooting hydraulic, electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic systems.
• Support PLC troubleshooting under guidance to improve machine performance and reliability.
• Work with injection molding equipment and participate in mold changes as needed.
• Collaborate with experienced technicians to gain a complete understanding of process verification in a plastic injection environment.
• Physically perform the essential functions of the position, including handling tools, equipment, and materials safely.
• Adhere to all plant safety policies and procedures, including proper use of safety equipment and compliance with lockout/tagout practices.
• Participate in day-shift training for up to a month to learn plant processes, equipment, and safety protocols.
• Work within a crew rotation schedule to support continuous operations in the facility.

Essential

Skills:

• Ideally 4+ years of experience in a maintenance or machine repair role.
• Ability to physically perform the essential functions of the position.
• Foundational knowledge of hydraulics, electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic systems.
• Troubleshooting skills for mechanical and electrical issues on industrial equipment.
• Experience or aptitude for working with injection molding machinery.
• Ability to perform PLC troubleshooting under guidance.
• Successful completion of the MCC (Montcalm Community College) enrollment test and submission of passing grades with the application to HR.
• Ability to enroll in and complete necessary MCC classes required for the apprenticeship program.
• Capacity to work safely with presses, welders, robots, and other industrial machinery.
• Willingness to maintain accurate written logs of work and training activities.

Additional Skills &

Qualifications:

• Journeyman certification is a strong plus.
• Plastic injection mold experience is highly desirable.
• 4 years of experience in a plastic injection facility.
• Ability to change molds and experience progressing from mold setting to process technician roles.
• 4 years working as a Process Technician.
• Complete understanding of process verification in a plastic injection molding environment.
• Interest in developing advanced troubleshooting skills in hydraulics, electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic systems.
• Desire to work toward a journeyman card through structured apprenticeship training.

Why Work Here?

Employees benefit from a structured apprenticeship program that supports long-term career growth in maintenance and machine repair. The company offers a $500 tool allowance every four years and a $350 annual safety allowance for maintenance roles, along with hourly pay and overtime opportunities. Team members enjoy a rotating schedule that provides both stability and regular time off, union membership after 75 calendar days, and two weeks of vacation, fostering a supportive environment focused on safety, skill development, and work-life balance.

Work Environment:

The facility…