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Apprentice Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

gannett

GPS- Apprentice Press Operator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

PRESS OPERATOR (APPRENTICE) Gannett Publishing Services / USA TODAY CO Knoxville, TN Press operator (apprentice or journeyman) will be part of the press crew operating the press. They will set-up and ...

gannett

GPS- Apprentice Press Operator

Knoxville, TN

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

PRESS OPERATOR (APPRENTICE) Gannett Publishing Services / USA TODAY CO Knoxville, TN Press operator (apprentice or journeyman) will be part of the press crew operating the press. They will set-up and ...

Hometown Plumbing Inc

Apprentice Plumber

Johnson City, TN · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Apprentice Plumber | Johnson City, TN Hometown Plumbing, Electrical, amp; HVAC is seeking eager, hard-working Apprentice Plumbers to join our growing team! We're a locally-operated, customer-first ...

PENN A KEM.

Apprentice, Chemical Operator

Memphis, TN · On-site

$17.25 - $19.50/hr

As an Apprentice Fine Chemical, you will embark on a comprehensive training journey within the non-durable goods manufacturing sector, focusing on the production and handling of fine chemicals. This ...

PENN A KEM.

Apprentice, Chemical Operator

Memphis, TN · On-site

$17.25 - $19.50/hr

As an Apprentice Fine Chemical, you will embark on a comprehensive training journey within the non-durable goods manufacturing sector, focusing on the production and handling of fine chemicals. This ...

Closets By Design

Install Apprentice

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Vision insurance Carpenter/Installation Apprentice We are seeking a motivated and dedicated ... This franchise is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. Your application will go ...

Gannett Co., Inc.

GPS- Apprentice Press Operator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

To connect with us, visit www.usatodayco.com PRESS OPERATOR (APPRENTICE) Gannett Publishing Services / USA TODAY CO Knoxville, TN Press operator (apprentice or journeyman) will be part of the press ...

BAILEY

Forklift Technician Apprentice

Piney Flats, TN · On-site

$15 - $19.50/hr

Since then Bailey has been a family-owned and operated business dedicated to selling, leasing, renting, servicing, and providing parts for forklift trucks throughout the southeast. Apprentice ...

GoTeez

Screen Printing Press Operator Apprentice

Alcoa, TN · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

The Automatic Press Apprentice is positioned to become an Automatic Press Operator. During training, you'll learn the screen printing process from a world-class production team. You'll work directly ...

GoTeez

Screen Printing Press Operator Apprentice

Alcoa, TN · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

The Automatic Press Apprentice is positioned to become an Automatic Press Operator. During training, you'll learn the screen printing process from a world-class production team. You'll work directly ...

Mr. Rooter

Plumbing Apprentice

Hendersonville, TN · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Paid apprenticeship & tutoring for the test * Paid vacation/holidays * Incentive-based pay bonuses ... With hundreds of locations worldwide, each is independently owned and operated. Our team of ...

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All JobsApprentice Operator JobsApprentice Operator Jobs in Tennessee

Apprentice Operator information

See Tennessee salary details

$12

$18

$26

How much do apprentice operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice operator in Tennessee is $18.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.48 and $19.86 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 Tennessee?

The most popular types of Operator jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Apprentice Operator jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Apprentice Operator job openings:

Apprentice Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apprentice Operator job openings in Tennessee 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 $38,075 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

GPS- Apprentice Press Operator

gannett

Knoxville, TN • On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Gannett rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 78 rated media

Job description

PRESS OPERATOR (APPRENTICE)

Gannett Publishing Services / USA TODAY CO

Knoxville, TN

Press operator (apprentice or journeyman) will be part of the press crew operating the press.  They will set-up and operate the press normally but also involved with entry level preventive maintenance such as roller settings, cleaning units and changing blankets.  

Ideal candidate has prior press experience on a similar newspaper press.  Understand of color and understanding of offset printing.  Must be able to read instructions in English and follow verbal instructions in English.  Fast paced operation and must be good team player.

Responsibilities:

  • Interpret press layout and web leads
  • Make ready and operate offset web press
  • Monitor printed products and make adjustments as needed during press run to ensure they meet quality standards
  • Perform routine preventative maintenance
  • Clean press after production run

Requirements:

  • Minimum of 5 years offset web press experience
  • Basic computer skills
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Must be able to work varying shifts according to business needs
  • Skilled in trouble-shooting
  • Must have good verbal and written communication skills

Experience with the following is a plus:

  • Densitometer
  • Operation of a 2;3;3 jaw folder
  • Tension control of multiple web leads
  • Aurosys and PECOM systems
  • MAN Roland RegioMan or GeoMan press operation

The Benefits:
• 15 days of PTO (Paid Time Off) annually, increases to 25 days after reaching 3rd year anniversary
• Full Time Benefits with the company the first of the month following your hire date. Medical, Dental and Vision

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