Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program - Skilled Trades

About the Role

Placon is seeking motivated individuals for our Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program to work in our Madison, WI facility. This paid, hands-on training opportunity allows you to select a CNC Tooling, Industrial Maintenance, or Machine Operations career path to develop valuable technical skills in a modern thermoforming manufacturing environment.

Why Placon

• Earn while you learn a skilled trade
• No prior manufacturing experience required
• Hands-on training with experienced mentors
• Exposure to CNC machining, tooling, maintenance, and manufacturing operations
• Stable full-time employment with advancement opportunities
• Competitive benefits package
• Culture focused on safety, continuous improvement, and employee development

Career Paths

• CNC Machinist
• Tooling Technician
• Industrial Maintenance Technician
• Thermoforming Machine Operator
• Process Technician
• Manufacturing Supervisor

What You'll Learn

Throughout the apprenticeship program, participants will gain experience in one of the following areas:

• Tooling - CNC
  • 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
• Industrial Maintenance
  • Troubleshoot mechanical equipment
  • Perform preventative maintenance
  • Assist with machine repairs and equipment installation
  • Learn electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and mechanical systems
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives
• Machine Operations
  • Set up and operate thermoforming equipment
  • Monitor product quality
  • Perform routine machine adjustments
  • Troubleshoot basic processing issues
  • Complete production and quality documentation

Requirements

• Mechanical aptitude and interest in learning technical skills
• High school diploma or GED preferred
• Manufacturing, automotive, farm, construction, military, robotics, welding, machining, or mechanical experience is helpful but not required
• 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 strong work ethic
• Ability to handle differing opinions and resolve conflict professionally while upholding The Placon Way

Ideal Candidates May Have Experience In

• Automotive repair
• Welding
• CNC machining
• Construction trades
• Maintenance
• Manufacturing
• Robotics competitions
• Technical education programs
• Military mechanical occupations
• Agricultural equipment operation

No prior experience required. We are willing to train motivated individuals who demonstrate mechanical aptitude and a desire to learn.

Compensation

• Starting pay based on experience and selected apprenticeship track
• Paid on-the-job training
• Structured skill development program
• Progressive wage increases as skills are obtained
• Overtime opportunities available
• Shift differentials available for off-shift assignments

Schedule

• 2nd Shift: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Monday – Friday
• 3rd Shift: 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM | Monday - Friday
• Rotational 12-hour Shift: 6:00 PM – 6:00 AM | 12-hour rotation (2 days on, 2 days off, 3 days on, 2 days off and repeat)
  • More time off: Enjoy 182 days off per year (double a traditional 8-hour schedule)
  • Long weekends: 3-day weekend every other week
  • Built-In overtime: 8 hours of overtime every two weeks
  • Consistent full-time work with predictable time off