Tool Room - Apprentice

Flex N Gate•Grand Rapids, MI

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Tool Room Apprentice participates in on-the-job training and technical instruction to develop the skills needed to become a qualified Tool Room Technician. Under the guidance of experienced tool room personnel, the apprentice assists with inspecting, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing plastic injection molds and related tooling. The role involves learning safe operation of machine shop equipment, interpretation of technical drawings, identification of tooling issues, and mold maintenance and repair while following safety procedures and supporting production efficiency and equipment reliability. The apprentice works primarily in an industrial tool room and manufacturing environment, with occasional work in other facility areas or outdoors as needed. The role involves exposure to industrial machinery, machining equipment, noise, metalworking materials, and related trade hazards. Appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety footwear and safety glasses, must be used as required by the task and facility.

Requirements

High school diploma required.
Highly motivated and able to work independently or as part of a team.
Experience with Bridgeport work is expected.
Ability to multitask and establish priorities.
Proficiency troubleshooting plastic injection molds in the tool room and at the press, including assessing hot runner and valve gate manifold issues.
Ability to independently identify and suggest downtime-reduction activities and projects.
Ability to create and read drawings to machine parts, or ability to machine to print.
Ability to proficiently polish a Class A surface without supervision.
Highly flexible, with interpersonal skills to work effectively in a diverse working environment.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Strong attention to detail.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Ability to read tool drawings and schematics of hot runner manifolds and water systems.
Understanding of basic injection molding tool functions, including lifters, retractors, and hook slides, and how they work in the tool.
Understanding of electrical wiring.
Understanding of basic plumbing, including changing hoses and air lines.
Knowledge of how to use a lathe.
Ability to read blueprints and draw basic sketches.
Ability to read a measuring tape and use micrometers and calipers.
Ability to use band saws, table saws, and miter saws.
Willingness to take related classes at a local college selected by Ventra.
Ability to lift up to 75 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation, if lifting is an essential job function.
Ability to perform physical tasks associated with tool room work, with reasonable accommodation where applicable.

Responsibilities

Assist experienced tool room personnel with inspection, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of plastic injection molds.
Learn to identify mold damage, wear, defects, and conditions that may affect production, part quality, or equipment performance.
Develop proficiency in safely operating machine shop equipment, including surface grinders, Bridgeport milling machines, lathes, saws, and other applicable tooling equipment.
Learn machine setup, tool selection, feeds and speeds, measuring techniques, and machining practices.
Assist with grinding, machining, fitting, polishing, and modifying mold components under appropriate supervision.
Read and interpret blueprints, tool drawings, schematics, and technical documentation to support tooling repairs and manufacture of replacement components.
Develop an understanding of plastic injection mold functions and components, including lifters, retractors, hook slides, hot runner systems, valve gates, and water systems.
Assist with troubleshooting mold-related issues in the Tool Room and at the press, as trained and authorized.
Learn to identify basic electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and plumbing issues associated with injection molds and related equipment.
Develop proficiency using precision measuring instruments, including micrometers, calipers, and other applicable measurement tools.
Assist with welding, polishing, and surface repair activities as skills and training permit.
Perform preventative maintenance according to established schedules, procedures, and departmental requirements.
Maintain accurate documentation of tooling repairs, inspections, preventative maintenance, and completed work.
Follow applicable safety procedures and maintain clean, organized work areas.
Recognize and promptly report unsafe conditions, equipment concerns, and potential quality issues to the appropriate supervisor.
Participate in required technical instruction, apprenticeship coursework, practical training, and skills assessments.
Identify opportunities to improve mold reliability, reduce downtime, and improve maintenance practices as knowledge and experience develop.
Collaborate with Tool Room personnel, Production, Process Technicians, and other departments to support facility needs.
Perform other duties as assigned.