PLC / Controls Technician Apprentice

Flex-N-Gate • Grand Rapids, MI

1d

About The Position

Ventra is accepting applications from qualified hourly employees for a five-year PLC / Controls Technician Apprenticeship Program. The program combines structured, supervised on-the-job learning (10,000 hours) with related classroom instruction (1,274 hours) to develop skilled trades capabilities.

Apprentices learn electrical safety, schematic reading, industrial wiring, panel components, and systematic circuit troubleshooting. Under supervision, they diagnose motors, drives, sensors, instrumentation, input/output signals, and automated equipment. They build skills in PLC hardware, ladder logic, HMI systems, industrial networks, and robotics, and help restore equipment safely while maintaining accurate backups, change documentation, and controls records.

Selected apprentices must attend and successfully complete required classroom instruction, maintain satisfactory grades under applicable program standards, document required training hours, follow safety and work rules, and fulfill assigned work/shift schedules. The apprenticeship schedule includes a 1,000-hour probationary period.

Requirements

• New hires must work in production for 90 days before starting the apprenticeship program.
• High school diploma or GED equivalency.
• Attendance record of fewer than two points at the time of application.
• No disciplinary actions in the preceding 12 months, other than documented verbal warnings.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position, including lifting up to 25 lbs., with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Complete ACCUPLACER college placement testing through the designated training provider, with scores meeting the provider's required admissions or course-placement standards.
• Complete and pass the Company's Mechanical Aptitude Test.
• Participate in the Joint Apprenticeship Committee (JAC) interview and evaluation process.
• Selection is based on applicable eligibility requirements, testing, education, prior experience, and the approved JAC point-rating procedure.

Responsibilities

• Learn electrical safety, schematic reading, industrial wiring, panel components, and systematic circuit troubleshooting.
• Diagnose motors, drives, sensors, instrumentation, input/output signals, and automated equipment under supervision.
• Develop skills in PLC hardware, ladder logic, HMI systems, industrial networks, and robotics.
• Help restore equipment safely.
• Maintain accurate backups, change documentation, and controls records.
• Attend and successfully complete required classroom instruction and maintain satisfactory grades under applicable program standards.
• Document required training hours and follow safety and work rules.
• Fulfill assigned work and shift schedules.

What This Job Offers

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