Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program - Skilled Trades

Placon Corporation•Madison, WI

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Placon is seeking motivated individuals for a paid, hands-on Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program at its Madison, Wisconsin facility. Participants select a CNC Tooling, Industrial Maintenance, or Machine Operations career path and develop technical skills in a thermoforming manufacturing environment. No prior experience is required; training and support are provided for candidates with mechanical aptitude and a desire to learn. The program includes structured skill development and progressive wage increases as skills are acquired. Starting pay is based on experience and the selected apprenticeship track. Overtime opportunities and shift differentials for off-shift assignments are available. Schedules offered include second shift, 2:00 PM–10:00 PM Monday through Friday; third shift, 10:00 PM–6:00 AM Monday through Friday; or a rotating 12-hour night shift, 6:00 PM–6:00 AM, following a cycle of two days on, two days off, three days on, and two days off. The rotational schedule is described as providing 182 days off per year, a three-day weekend every other week, and eight hours of overtime every two weeks. Apprentices can develop career paths toward roles such as CNC Machinist, Tooling Technician, Industrial Maintenance Technician, Thermoforming Machine Operator, Process Technician, or Manufacturing Supervisor. Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment drug test, basic physical, background check, educational verification, and reference checks as applicable. Employees must maintain authorization to work in the country where the role is based; in general, Placon does not sponsor candidates for non-immigrant visas or permanent residency unless based on business need. Placon is an equal opportunity employer. The role requires respectful, professional handling of differing perspectives and conflict consistent with The Placon Way.

Requirements

Mechanical aptitude and interest in learning technical skills.
Ability to learn new equipment and processes.
Strong problem-solving skills.
Ability to work safely and follow established procedures.
Ability to read, write, and speak English for training, safety, and quality requirements.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform the physical requirements of manufacturing work.
Reliable attendance and a strong work ethic.
Ability to handle differing opinions and resolve conflict professionally.
Ability to maintain authorization to work in the country where the role is based.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED preferred.
Manufacturing, automotive, farm, construction, military, robotics, welding, machining, or mechanical experience is helpful but not required.
Experience with automotive repair, welding, CNC machining, construction trades, maintenance, manufacturing, robotics competitions, technical education programs, military mechanical occupations, or agricultural equipment operation.

Responsibilities

In the CNC Tooling track, operate and set up CNC machining equipment.
Read blueprints and technical drawings.
Measure and inspect parts using precision measuring instruments.
Assist with tooling repairs and modifications.
Learn machining fundamentals and manufacturing processes.
In the Industrial Maintenance track, troubleshoot mechanical equipment.
Perform preventative maintenance.
Assist with machine repairs and equipment installation.
Learn electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and mechanical systems.
Support continuous improvement initiatives.
In the Machine Operations track, set up and operate thermoforming equipment.
Monitor product quality.
Perform routine machine adjustments.
Troubleshoot basic processing issues.
Complete production and quality documentation.
Follow safety procedures and established work processes.
Handle differing opinions and resolve conflict professionally while upholding The Placon Way.