Maintenance Technician Apprentice

The Maintenance Technician Apprentice is an entry-level, structured learning role at WT Burnett Co.'s Statesville, NC manufacturing facility. Under direct supervision of experienced maintenance technicians and the Maintenance Supervisor, the apprentice develops the mechanical and electrical skills required to advance into a fully qualified Maintenance Technician Level
2. This position is designed for motivated individuals who are committed to building a long-term career in industrial maintenance.

This is a registered, competency-based apprenticeship (RAPIDS Code 0311CB | O
* NET 49-9071.00) recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship. The program combines two parallel tracks:

• On-the-Job Learning (OJL):
  Hands-on skill development supervised by a designated mentor technician at WT Burnett.
• Related Technical Instruction (RTI):
  Coursework through Mitchell Community College's Advanced Integrated Manufacturing Systems (AIMS) Lab program.

Acceptance into this position requires completion and signing of WT Burnett's formal Apprenticeship Agreement prior to beginning work. All competencies in the Work Process Schedule must be completed and signed off by both the apprentice and mentor during the program.

The following areas represent the full scope of skills the apprentice is expected to develop. Apprentices perform these duties at increasing levels of independence as competency is demonstrated:

• Learn to perform scheduled preventive and corrective maintenance on machinery, electrical systems, and mechanical equipment — including engines, motors, pneumatic tools, conveyor systems, and production machinery.
• Assist experienced technicians with troubleshooting and develop the ability to independently diagnose and repair equipment malfunctions.

• Develop working knowledge of 3-phase electrical systems up to 480V.
• Learn to safely troubleshoot and diagnose malfunctions using testing instruments (multimeters, Megger, infrared thermometers) and technical documentation.
• Build familiarity with Siemens and Allen Bradley drives, AC motors, and variable frequency drives (VFDs).

• Assist with dismantling and repairing defective parts using hoists, cranes, and hand/power tools.
• Learn to safely operate machine shop equipment (lathes, end mills, grinders) to fabricate repair parts.
• Develop skills in welding, fabrication, and conduit bending and installation.

• Learn to read, interpret, and update maintenance documentation including schematics, wiring diagrams, and standard operating procedures.
• Develop the ability to independently create and revise technical documentation as proficiency grows.

• Learn to use the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to log work orders, track equipment performance, and support root cause analysis.
• Develop consistent habits for timely and accurate CMMS entry.

• Assist with maintaining inventory of equipment, parts, and supplies.
• Learn proper storeroom procedures and ordering processes.

• Participate in lean manufacturing initiatives, quick kaizens, and BOM creation for equipment.
• Develop an improvement mindset aligned with WT Burnett's operational goals.

• Learn and consistently apply all WT Burnett safety procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Maintain a clean and safe working environment at all times.
• Develop awareness of environmental compliance requirements in a manufacturing setting.

Apprentices are evaluated on progress toward the following outcomes, which mirror the full accountability of a Maintenance Technician Level 2:

• Growing ability to support reliable operation of mechanical and electrical systems with decreasing supervisor oversight.
• Accurate and timely completion of assigned preventive maintenance tasks and assisted emergency repairs.
• Correct and timely use of CMMS to document all assigned work orders.
• Proper creation or updating of technical documentation under mentor guidance.
• Consistent compliance with safety and environmental standards.

Apprentices are required to complete coursework through Mitchell Community College's Advanced Integrated Manufacturing Systems (AIMS) Lab program. The AIMS Lab…