Tool Room - Apprentice

Flex-N-Gate•Grand Rapids, MI

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Tool Room Apprentice participates in on-the-job training and technical instruction to develop the skills necessary to become a qualified Tool Room Technician. Under the guidance of experienced tool room personnel, the apprentice assists with inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of plastic injection molds and related tooling. The apprentice learns to safely operate machine shop equipment, interpret technical drawings, identify tooling issues, and perform mold maintenance and repairs. The role requires developing technical skills, following established safety procedures, and working effectively with the Tool Room team to support production efficiency and equipment reliability.

Requirements

High school diploma required.
Highly motivated; able to work independently or as part of a team.
Experience with Bridgeport work is expected.
Ability to multitask and establish priorities.
Must be proficient at troubleshooting plastic injection molds in both the tool room and at the press, including assessing hot runner and valve gate manifold issues.
Ability to independently seek out and suggest downtime-reduction activities and projects.
Able to create and read drawings to machine parts from, or have the ability to machine to print.
Ability to perform proficient polishing on a Class A surface without supervision.
Highly flexible, with solid interpersonal skills that allow effective work in a diverse working environment.
Able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Strong attention to detail.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Able to read tool drawings and schematics of hot runner manifolds and water systems.
Understand basic injection molding tool functions, such as 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.
Know how to use a lathe.
Know how to read blueprints and draw basic sketches.
Ability to read measuring tape, micrometers, and calipers.
Ability to use band saws, table saws, and miter saws.
Willingness to take related classes at a local college of Ventra’s choosing.
Ability to lift up to 75 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation, if this 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, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of plastic injection molds.
Learn to identify mold damage, wear, defects, and other conditions that may affect production, part quality, or equipment performance.
Develop proficiency in the safe operation and use of machine shop equipment, including surface grinders, Bridgeport milling machines, lathes, saws, and other applicable tooling equipment.
Learn proper 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 in 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.
Learn to perform preventive maintenance in accordance with established schedules, procedures, and departmental requirements.
Maintain accurate records and documentation related to tooling repairs, inspections, preventive maintenance, and completed work.
Follow applicable safety procedures and maintain clean, organized, and orderly work areas.
Recognize unsafe conditions, equipment concerns, and potential quality issues and promptly report them 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.
Work collaboratively with Tool Room personnel, Production, Process Technicians, and other departments to support facility needs.
Perform other duties as assigned.