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Apprentice Operator Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Apprentice Lineworkers will be able to competently and confidently perform in a highly skilled and ... Provide ground support for lineman operating in aerial bucket, on pole, trenches, or underground ...

Forklift Operator

Shepherdsville, KY · On-site

$17.50 - $19/hr

Apprenticeship Program * Advancement Opportunities * $17.50 - $19.00 / Hour * **Increased wages of $19.00/hr from 11-23-25 until 12-20-25!** Employment Type & Shifts * Full Time * Temp to Hire

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Apprentice Operator information

See Kentucky salary details

$11

$17

$25

How much do apprentice operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice operator in Kentucky is $17.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.81 and $18.99 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 are Apprentice Operators?

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 Kentucky? The most popular types of Operator jobs in Kentucky are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Apprentice Operator jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Apprentice Operator job openings:
Apprentice - Operating Technician

Apprentice - Operating Technician

Logan Aluminum, Inc.

Russellville, KY

$15.25 - $20/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Logan Aluminum rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Education: High School Diploma, Technical Education Pathway preferred

Safety:

Safety is an underlying value that defines our culture and the way we do business at Logan Aluminum. Safety is a shared responsibility with every Logan team member being accountable for identifying and controlling exposures for themselves and others. Success requires every team member to follow safe work practices and procedures, recognize and react to exposures, speak up about safety issues, give and receive feedback with positive intent, and embrace continuous improvement in pursuit of an injury free workplace.

Major Responsibilities:

Operating Technicians Apprenticeships will move through Logan Star Points in Backup rep roles, supporting Primary reps. Apprenticeship will act as a Team Member, document appropriate information, facilitate Team meetings. As experience is gained, will be able to evaluate ones own as well as Team performance, being accountable to initiate or raise the question of the need to continuously improve and to drive the Team to a state of “resilience”. When serving as Team Personnel Rep, will manage the Team’s manpower, appraisal process, Pay for Progression points and training guidelines; monitor time sheet accuracy; act as a call-in contact; and coordinate the Team’s hiring process. As Team Performance/Quality Rep, will manage dispositioned metal flow; monitor Hold Ticket and Data input accuracy; attend quality meetings; oversee on-shift dispositions; attend customer/supplier meetings; and support Level 1 audit control plan. When serving as Team Production Rep, will track and relay production information; interface with Production Planning; and control Team spending to budget. When serving as Team Safety Rep, will audit; produce incident reports; monitor housekeeping; participate in Environmental and Housekeeping walk-thrus; attend scheduled meetings; track safety-related equipment repairs; manage annual training and documentation; and manage new hire orientation. As Administrative Rep, the OT will produce Team monthly reports; oversee production reporting; and manage process control. Will operate all production machinery and mobile equipment. OT may also be expected to draft maintenance work orders, make suggestions to Maintenance planners and lead operator roles during outages. Will rotate shifts as required by Team, unit and/or Company policies and procedures. May be responsible for the handling, inspection, packaging, shipping and transportation of hazardous waste and for compliance to applicable regulatory requirements.

Position Accountabilities

  • Knowledge of business protocol combined with historical knowledge of the Company that allows consistent and professional interaction with all levels of the organization.
  • Must prioritize and manage personal and Unit accountabilities while allowing the Team to make decisions that affect day-to-day business.
  • 40% of influence is based on position expertise and/or experience, while the remaining 60% is based on interpersonal abilities.
  • In relation to process and machine center success, incumbent must think independently in this fast-paced and ever-changing environment.
  • The difficulty in problem solving is compounded due to shift work and inter-Team communications.
  • Change is a constant that requires effective communication and Team-to-Team cooperation.
  • A very high degree of personal and/or procedural control is used to ensure that both the Team and Unit are in support of the organization’s business philosophy and plan.
  • This control affects the organization’s ability to meet customer needs.

Additional Information: Excellent communication skills and effective problem-solving skills required. Customer/supplier thought process preferred. Willingness to work in a self-managed team environment is necessary. Consensus building is a vital skill. Ability to support a positive, challenging, and participative work environment required.

Essential Physical, Sensory, and Mental Requirements:

May sit 8 hours, stand 8 hours or walk 6 hours per day. May use stairs and ladders. May lift more than 50 lbs. and carry same. May use a computer &/or phone daily. Will often work under time pressure. Will walk on slippery, uneven surfaces. Must have good vision, hearing & speaking ability. Will read, write, and do simple math and statistical computations. Will analyze reports and make decisions daily. Will assist in creating methods of goal attainment. May conduct research & implement recommendations of others. May assist in developing plans, procedures, goals and processes based on data analysis. Will train others and evaluate performance. Will work indoors, inside the manufacturing plant and outside. Will use an office, desk, or control room daily. Extreme heat & cold, dust, dirt, chemicals, vibrations, noise, and fumes are likely. There are mobile equipment and heavy crane, and equipment hazards present in this position. Will work in confined spaces.

Basic Skills

  • Active Learning
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Learning Strategies
  • Monitoring
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Speaking
  • Writing
  • Complex Problem Solving

Social Skills

  • Coordination
  • Instructing
  • Negotiation
  • Persuasion
  • Service Orientation
  • Social Perceptiveness

Technical Skills

  • Equipment Selection
  • Operation Monitoring
  • Operations Analysis
  • Quality Control Analysis

Resource Management Skills

  • Management of Financial and Personnel Resources
  • Time Management

Computer Skills

  • Spreadsheets
  • Presentations
  • Navigation
  • Word Processing
  • Databases