Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program - Skilled Trades

Placon Corporation • Madison, WI

7d • $22 - $30 • Onsite

About The Position

Placon is hiring motivated individuals for a paid, hands-on manufacturing apprenticeship at its Madison, Wisconsin facility. Participants select a career path in CNC Tooling, Industrial Maintenance, or Machine Operations and receive training and structured skill development in a thermoforming manufacturing environment. No prior manufacturing experience is required; training and support are provided for candidates with mechanical aptitude and a desire to learn. The program offers progressive wage increases as skills are obtained, overtime opportunities, shift differentials for off-shift assignments, and opportunities for advancement. Potential career paths include CNC Machinist, Tooling Technician, Industrial Maintenance Technician, Thermoforming Machine Operator, Process Technician, and Manufacturing Supervisor.

Apprentices learn skills relevant to their chosen track. CNC Tooling training includes operating and setting up CNC machining equipment, reading blueprints and technical drawings, measuring and inspecting parts, assisting with tooling repairs and modifications, and learning machining fundamentals. Industrial Maintenance training includes troubleshooting equipment, preventative maintenance, repairs and installation, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and mechanical systems, and continuous improvement. Machine Operations training includes setting up and operating thermoforming equipment, monitoring quality, making routine adjustments, troubleshooting basic processing issues, and completing production and quality documentation.

Schedules offered are second shift, 2:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; third shift, 10:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m. Monday through Friday; or a rotating night shift, 6:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m. on a repeating 12-hour rotation of two days on, two days off, three days on, and two days off. The rotational schedule provides 182 days off per year, a three-day weekend every other week, and eight built-in overtime hours every two weeks. The position is described as stable, full-time employment with predictable time off.

Employment offers are contingent on 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; Placon generally does not sponsor non-immigrant visas or permanent residency unless based on business need. Placon states that it is committed to equal opportunity for applicants. 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 while upholding The Placon Way.
• Maintain authorization to work in the country where the role is based.
• Successful completion of applicable pre-employment drug test, basic physical, background check, educational verification, and reference checks.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Learn and develop skills in the selected CNC Tooling, Industrial Maintenance, or Machine Operations apprenticeship track.
• For CNC Tooling: 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; and learn machining fundamentals and manufacturing processes.
• For Industrial Maintenance: troubleshoot mechanical equipment; perform preventative maintenance; assist with machine repairs and equipment installation; learn electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and mechanical systems; and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• For Machine Operations: set up and operate thermoforming equipment; monitor product quality; perform routine machine adjustments; troubleshoot basic processing issues; and complete production and quality documentation.
• Work safely and follow established procedures.
• Handle differing opinions and resolve conflict respectfully and professionally in accordance with The Placon Way.
• Meet the physical requirements of manufacturing work, including lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Complete applicable pre-employment screening requirements.

Benefits

• Paid on-the-job training.
• Structured skill development program.
• Progressive wage increases as skills are obtained.
• Overtime opportunities, including eight built-in overtime hours every two weeks on the rotating 12-hour shift.
• Shift differentials for off-shift assignments.
• Competitive benefits package.
• Rotating 12-hour schedule offers 182 days off per year and a three-day weekend every other week.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED