ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Apprentice Operator Jobs in North Carolina (NOW HIRING)

Sandvik

Machinist Apprentice

Mebane, NC · On-site

$15.25 - $19.75/hr

The Apprentice program is designed to develop skilled participants through a structured combination ... Follows established procedures for operating various conventional and/or CNC (computerized ...

New

Zoom Drain

Plumbing Apprentice

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Plumbing Apprentice Role | WHAT WE DO As a Drain Technician Apprentice , you will enter our premier ... Each location is independently owned and operated.

Worth Painting, LLC

Painter's Apprentice

King, NC · On-site

$15 - $16/hr

Painter's Apprentice Wanted! Ready to learn a trade, and a career with true color? At Worth ... Operating and maintaining professional gear like pressure washers, and sprayers * Representing the ...

Career Site

Electrician Apprentice

Wilmington, NC

... and operating wire tuggers Demonstrate a willingness to learn how to set fixtures and install ... Apprentice training certifications are beneficial but are not required for this position. Physical ...

Mister Sparky

Apprentice Electrician

Cary, NC · On-site

JOB SUMMARY An apprentice will assist lead electricians in the completion of all jobs while ... Each franchise location is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. Your application will ...

Surface Experts

Apprentice

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$17 - $24/hr

Training & development Surface Experts Apprentice/Technician - Where Creativity Meets Craftsmanship ... Put Business Needs Above Personal Wants This franchise is independently owned and operated by a ...

Avodah Electric LLC

Electrical Apprentice

Franklin, NC · On-site

$15 - $25.50/hr

Now, we're looking for a heavy-hitting Electrical Apprentice who wants to become part of something ... We supply all premium battery-operated tools and high-lumen headlamps. THE PERKS (We Actually Care)

AVL Group

Service Technician Apprentice (39280)

Asheville, NC · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

As a Service Technician Apprentice, you will receive hands-on training across AVL systems and gain ... Provide feedback of troubleshooting guides and continuous improvement methods to increase operating ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsApprentice Operator JobsApprentice Operator Jobs in North Carolina

Apprentice Operator information

See North Carolina salary details

$12

$18

$26

How much do apprentice operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice operator in North Carolina is $18.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $19.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Operator jobs in North Carolina?

The most popular types of Operator jobs in North Carolina are:

What cities in North Carolina are hiring for Apprentice Operator jobs?

Cities in North Carolina with the most Apprentice Operator job openings:

Apprentice Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apprentice Operator job openings in North Carolina as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 46% Part Time, 7% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,125 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Apprentice Large Format Print Operator

AlphaGraphics - US398

Cary, NC • On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Training & development

 Job description for Apprentice Large Format Print Operator
 
We are actively seeking an Apprentice Large Format Print Operator to join us full-time.  More than anything, we are looking for a highly collaborative and dependable teammate who is driven by the opportunity to contribute to the success of a local business. We are a small, passionate, and fast-paced team that is fully invested in the success of our company, and we value contributions from each team member. 
 
Overview: 
An Apprentice Large Format Print Operator assists in setting up, maintaining, and running industrial-grade printers to produce banners, signage, and other graphics. 
 
Primary Responsibilities
·       Machine Operation:  Assist in setting up and operating roll-to-roll and flatbed large format printers.
·       File Preparation:  Learn to use RIP software and basic design tools (Adobe Illustrator/InDesign) to format, resize, and prepare customer files for printing. 
·       Material Handling:  Load and unload heavy substrates (vinyl, canvas, laminate) and change out ink systems safely. 
·       Quality Control:  Inspect printed items for color accuracy, banding, or imperfections prior to final delivery. 
·       Finishing Tasks:  Perform trimming, mounting, laminating, and grommeting on finished products under supervision. 
·       Equipment Maintenance:  Assist with the performance of daily, weekly, and monthly preventative maintenance, including cleaning printheads and maintaining machine components. 
·       Installs:  Assist with the installation of large format graphics both indoors and outdoors.
·       Other:  Perform other duties as assigned.  
 
Competencies/Skills
·       Strong attention to detail to help maintain the highest standards of quality production.
·       Comfortable with change in a variety of situations.
·       Ability to assist with completing multiple projects at once in a fast-paced environment.
·       A positive attitude and willingness to do whatever it takes to complete the project.
·       Able to professionally work with verbal direction.
·       Accomplishes all tasks thoroughly and thoughtfully.
·       Expresses ideas, listens to others effectively, and freely asks questions.
·       Strong ability to work with your hands.
·       Willingness to assist with meeting tight deadlines.
·       Eager to learn, self-starting attitude, and high attention to detail.
·       Willingness to follow policies and procedures and to maintain a clean and safe work area.
 
 
Qualifications
·       High school diploma or equivalent required.
·       Strong mechanical aptitude and basic troubleshooting skills.
·       Ability to understand measurements and perform basic math/unit conversions.
·       Comfortable standing for long periods and physically lifting/moving materials weighing up to 60 lbs.
·       Basic computer skills.