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Apprentice Operator Jobs in West Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Boyd CAT

Student Technician Apprentice

Nitro, WV · On-site

$24/hr

The Student Technician Apprentice will build technical education and technical work experience to ... Recommend to manager ideas to improve the departments operating procedures or business practices ...

Mister Sparky

Apprentice Electrician

WV · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Vision insurance ⚡ Apprentice Electrician - Launch Your Electrical Career with Mister Sparky! ⚡ ... Each franchise location is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. Your application will ...

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All JobsApprentice Operator JobsApprentice Operator Jobs in West Virginia

Apprentice Operator information

See West Virginia salary details

$10

$15

$22

How much do apprentice operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice operator in West Virginia is $15.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.22 and $16.92 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 West Virginia? The most popular types of Operator jobs in West Virginia are:
Apprentice Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apprentice Operator job openings in West Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $32,477 per year, or $15.6 per hour.
Student Technician Apprentice

Student Technician Apprentice

Boyd CAT

Nitro, WV • On-site

$24/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Boyd CAT rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

52nd of 148 rated vehicle equipment hire

Job description

DESCRIPTION:
The Student Technician Apprentice will build technical education and technical work experience to further develop specific technical skills through a defined curriculum of classroom technical training, on-line training courses and on the-job-training. This is an exciting career opportunity for motivated individuals interested in learning Caterpillar's Technician trade.
The Student Technician Apprentice position is an entry-level and early-career training position designed to develop skilled Shop Technicians through Boyd's Technician Career Development Path. The program is set up whereas a student will rotate after 4 weeks of instruction in the Louisville Training Center to a hosting Boyd location. There will be a total of 8 weeks unpaid classroom instruction and 4-week paid internship. The Student Technician Apprentice reports to members of the Training department and their Shop Supervisor/Store Manager. At the end of the program the learner will graduate to become an Apprentice Technician. Ultimately, the goal of the START Program is to reach Shop Technician I or Field Technician status, by following our Career Development Paths
Compensation: up to $24.00 per hour.
REQUIREMENTS:
  1. High school diploma or equivalent required
  2. Possess and maintain a current, valid state driver's license
  3. Must be able to pass drug screen and background check
  4. Willingness to learn and be trained
  5. Excellent interpersonal skills, and written and verbal communication skills
  6. Able to communicate with team members and customers
  7. Good working knowledge of computers, spreadsheets, word processing programs
  8. Highly self-directed
  9. Must be dependable. Consistently arrives at work on time when scheduled, fully ready to work
  10. Attend and participate in all meetings, trainings, and activities as required
  11. Must be honest, reliable, and dependable, and display a positive attitude
  12. Assist work team to meet the objectives of the department and the Company
  13. Ability to work independently or in a team environment with rapidly changing priorities and demands
  14. Know and follow all Company and customer safety rules, including maintaining a safe, clean and orderly work area, fully participating in Company accident prevention and safety improvement activities
  15. Safety glasses, steel-toe boots, safety vests, etc., when appropriate or required per shop, customer or site location

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  1. Learn to read and interpret technical instruction, service and safety manuals, company policies and procedures
  2. Work with mechanical, hydraulic, and electric/electronic schematics and wiring diagrams and demonstrate proficiency in the use of test equipment
  3. Responsible for high-quality academic standings and maintaining a high-quality of morals
  4. Review and send reports in a timely manner, ensuring maximum value for work performed
  5. Respond to all customer requests in a professional and courteous, timely and responsive manner
  6. Keep manager continually informed to assist in answering customer questions and problems when necessary
  7. Performs various mechanical functions, under supervision, to make repairs or rebuild components using appropriate tooling
  8. Operates material handling equipment as required
  9. Reads and comprehends technical data/service manuals and writes legibly
  10. Learn to use all test equipment and procedures to correctly and safely make repairs
  11. Keep work area clean and orderly while following all work safety rules and procedures
  12. Project a positive company image by interacting with fellow employees, customers, and management in a cooperative, supportive and courteous manner; display an attitude of professionalism; comply with company dress code
  13. Ensure accuracy of work orders by charging parts and labor to proper work order segment
  14. Ability to lift a maximum of 70 pounds occasionally, or utilize assistance for lifting parts and equipment components
  15. Obtain a set of basic mechanic hand tools, including drives, sockets, and wrenches* (Company options/resources available)
    1. *Graduates of the program have the potential to own an Apprentice Toolbox after meeting required employment timelines and performance standards that will include basic mechanic hand tools, drives, sockets, and wrenches.
  16. Maintain a high degree of discretion in handling confidential/sensitive information and exercise initiative in all assigned areas, high integrity and accountability standards
  17. Supports the organization's mission, vision and values by exhibiting the following behaviors: Safety, Enthusiasm, Respect, Velocity, Integrity, Commitment, and Excellence
  18. Accepts responsibility for mistakes or problems. Maintains "ownership" of assigned tasks
  19. Demonstrate professionalism, integrity adaptability, and a strong customer service focus
  20. Demonstrates a sense of urgency and self-initiative and the personal drive to be successful
  21. Recommend to manager ideas to improve the departments operating procedures or business practices and participate in and support continuous improvement of all related activities and processes
  22. Project a positive image by interacting with fellow employees, customers, and management in a cooperative, supportive, and courteous manner; display a professional attitude; comply with company dress code
  23. Create and maintain good communications (verbally and in writing) and relationships with other company departments, branches, employees, outside vendors, and customers by addressing and resolving concerns quickly
  24. Follow all work, safety rules, and procedures
  25. Perform other duties as necessary and assigned

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