Tool and Die Apprentice

About the role

The apprenticeship program offers the opportunity to complete a State-Certified Apprentice Program and become a Registered Journeyperson – American Trim Tool and Die Maker. This program includes training in a new in-house classroom and lab, requiring demonstrated competency in key tool & die skillsets. Apprentices will develop skills to build, repair, and replace tooling for various machines and equipment safely and efficiently under the direct supervision of the Tool & Die Supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventative maintenance on dies, jigs, fixtures, and transfer units, including repair, adjustment, sharpening, and routine upkeep.
• Execute engineering changes, tool revisions, and die modifications to ensure optimal tool performance and production efficiency.
• Set up, operate, and maintain tools such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, and grinders to machine parts and verify conformance to specifications.
• Perform difficult and exacting machine operations requiring a variety of setups and methods to maintain close tolerances.
• Change internal die parts to produce new part numbers.
• Troubleshoot problem dies, jigs, fixtures, and transfer units.
• Use a variety of precision measuring instruments and hand tools of the trade.
• Select proper coolants and cutting oils for the work being performed.
• Read and interpret blueprints or work from verbal or written instructions for the part.
• Assist in maintaining inventory.
• Comply with all safety standards: Job Safety Analysis (JSA), Equipment Safety Analysis (ESA), and Area Safety Analysis (ASA).
• Ensure environmental compliance after instructions from supervisor/environmental group.
• Perform routine housekeeping and improvements in work area(s) as necessary.
• Other job duties as assigned by supervisor or group leader.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Commitment to completing the Registered American Trim Apprenticeship Program, which includes up to two years of combined classroom instruction, hands-on lab training, and on-the-job experience.
• Strong interest in hands-on work and problem-solving.
• Dependability and reliability – demonstrates strong commitment to attendance, safety, productivity, effective communication, and maintaining housekeeping standards.
• High degree of precision and control in work.
• Proficient computer skills.
• High attention to detail and mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to learn Statistical Process Control, Linear Measuring, and Problem Solving.
• Ability to read complex blueprints and other required documents.
• Ability to be flexible and prioritize competing priorities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work on all three shifts and cover call as scheduled. May travel to various American Trim operational sites.
• Must be willing to learn and be self-motivated.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Repeated lifting and packing of items weighing 3 to 6 lbs.
• Occasional heavy lifting, up to 50 lbs. on a non-repetitive basis.
• Work with sharp tools and parts with sharp edges.
• Requires attention to detail during inspection processes.
• Must work effectively as part of a team.
• Requires standing, walking, and/or continuous movement for periods exceeding one (1) hour.
• Perform repetitive motions, including turning and lifting.
• Work overtime as needed.
• Work under pressure to meet schedules, address personnel issues, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Collaborate with employees at all organizational levels.
• Perform job duties while wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including but not limited to eye, ear, and foot protection.