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Apprentice Operator Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

gannett

Press Operator I

Peoria, IL

$18/hr

Press Operator I - Apprentice Gannett Publishing Services Peoria, IL WE ARE OFFERING A STARTING HOURLY WAGE OF $18 PER HOUR The Apprentice - Press Operator position is assigned to learn & perform ...

gannett

Press Operator I

Peoria, IL

$18/hr

Press Operator I - Apprentice Gannett Publishing Services Peoria, IL WE ARE OFFERING A STARTING HOURLY WAGE OF $18 PER HOUR The Apprentice - Press Operator position is assigned to learn & perform ...

Superior Air-Ground Ambulance

HR Apprentice Intern

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The apprenticeship is designed to provide exposure to talent acquisition, employee relations ... Superior employs more than 4,000 licensed EMTs, Paramedics, and Nurses, operating a fleet of more ...

Forest City Gear

CMM Programmer Apprentice

Roscoe, IL · On-site

$17 - $30/hr

CMM Programmer Apprentice Location: Roscoe, IL 61073 We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented ... Responsibilities * Assist in programming and operating Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM) to ...

Fireplace & Chimney Autho

Air Duct Cleaner Apprentice

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As an Apprentice, you will be responsible for helping ensure that our clients' air ducts are clean ... HVAC systems Operating various tools and equipment, including power drills, ladders, and ...

BETTS PRECISION INC

Apprentice Manufacturing Engineer

Alsip, IL · On-site

$22 - $31/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Apprenticeship. We encourage Industrial and Mechanical Engineers and recent graduates looking to ... Hit pre-determined efficiency goals when setting up or operating machines. Be creative Continuously ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsApprentice Operator JobsApprentice Operator Jobs in Illinois

Apprentice Operator information

See Illinois salary details

$13

$19

$28

How much do apprentice operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice operator in Illinois is $19.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.54 and $21.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Apprentice Operator vs Operator?

AspectApprentice OperatorOperator
Required CredentialsBasic certifications, on-the-job trainingAdvanced certifications, experience
Work EnvironmentSupervised training settingFull operational environment
Employer & Industry UsageTraining programs, entry-level rolesFull-time operational roles in manufacturing, utilities

The main difference between an Apprentice Operator and an Operator is experience and certification level. Apprentice Operators are in training, gaining skills under supervision, while Operators have completed training and are fully responsible for operations. Apprentices focus on learning, whereas Operators handle daily operational tasks independently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Operator, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic mechanical aptitude, and a willingness to learn operational procedures. Familiarity with industrial equipment, safety protocols, and sometimes entry-level certifications such as OSHA training are commonly required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication help individuals excel in this hands-on environment. These skills and qualities ensure safe, efficient, and accurate operation of machinery, which is critical to maintaining production standards and workplace safety.

What can I expect during my first few months as an apprentice operator?

During your initial months as an Apprentice Operator, you'll primarily focus on learning operational procedures, safety protocols, and equipment handling under the guidance of experienced operators. You'll rotate through different stations, participate in hands-on training, and gradually take on more responsibility as you demonstrate competence. Close supervision and feedback are typical, as safety and accuracy are paramount in this role. Expect to work in a team-oriented environment where collaboration and clear communication are essential for smooth operations and troubleshooting.

What is an apprentice operator?

Apprentice Operators are entry-level workers who are learning to operate machinery or equipment under the supervision of experienced operators. They typically participate in a structured training program that combines on-the-job experience with classroom instruction. The goal is to develop the technical skills and knowledge needed to perform the operator role independently. Apprentice Operators are common in industries such as manufacturing, utilities, and construction, where hands-on training is essential. Their responsibilities may include monitoring equipment, assisting with maintenance, and following safety procedures.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operator jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Operator jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Apprentice Operator jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Apprentice Operator job openings:

Apprentice Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apprentice Operator job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,652 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Press Operator I

gannett

Peoria, IL

$18/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Gannett rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 76 rated media

Job description

Press Operator I - Apprentice

Gannett Publishing Services
Peoria, IL
WE ARE OFFERING A STARTING HOURLY WAGE OF $18 PER HOUR
The Apprentice - Press Operator position is assigned to learn & perform printing related tasks that may include, but are not limited to: Newsprint reel set-up & operation; newsprint staging; roll preparation; plate processing; placing printing plates; basic ink setting; equipment maintenance; and specified reporting.
The primary objective is to support efficient press operations as needed to achieve & maintain on-time production, product quality standards, low waste, and operational safety. Works as part of a press crew to coordinate press & plate operations during an assigned shift.
Must be reliable, report to scheduled shifts on-time and ready to begin work.

  • Work as a team to achieve & maintain on-time press performance
  • Work as a team to achieve & maintain product quality standards
  • Work as a team to meet waste goals
  • Assist with plate, reel room & press operations as assigned

Requirements:

  • This position requires a high school education or equivalent.
  • Experience in web offset printing is desirable, although production experience of any kind may be helpful.
  • Mechanical ability and familiarity with computers is preferred.
  • Candidates should have the ability to adapt to change, prioritize work, handle multiple tasks, remain flexible and interact with people while demonstrating patience.
  • You must be able to lift/carry up to 100 pounds. Must be able to push/pull up to 2000 pounds (rolls of paper).
  • A press operator spends most working hours on his/her feet.
  • In addition to long periods of standing, a press operator is required to climb stairs on the six-level press structure. Operators engaged in press maintenance and some cleaning activities will be required to stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl. They often work in tight areas. Color vision is required.
  • This position is full-time shift work, which includes scheduled nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • Candidate must be able to work night shifts, weekends and holidays, on a rotation schedule.


Education:

High school diploma or GED equivalent.

Related Experience:

Previous machine operation or maintenance experience preferred.

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