1

Apprentice Operator Jobs in Livonia, MI (NOW HIRING)

Buckeye Partners is currently seeking an Apprentice Terminal Operator 283 with 2+ years' related experience in terminal, pipeline or marine operations in the Oil & Gas Industry to join our team! Role ...

Craftsman Apprentice

Pontiac, MI · On-site

$600 - $900/wk

At Handyman Connection , we're looking for a motivated Craftsman Apprentice-someone who has some ... Each Handyman Connection franchise is locally owned and operated, backed by the company that helped ...

Service Technician Apprentice

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$16.25 - $21/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 ...

Service Technician Apprentice

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$16.25 - $21/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 ...

Apprentice Plumber

Canton, MI · On-site

$44K - $55K/yr

Job Summary We are seeking Journeyman and Apprentice Plumbers too who take pride in protecting ... Each franchise location is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. Your application will ...

The Apprentice Pipeliner role is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting and repairing ... Learning environmental regulations, safety directives and operating procedures so that the Company ...

Apprentice Plumber

Canton, MI · On-site

$44K - $55K/yr

Job Summary We are seeking Journeyman and Apprentice Plumbers too who take pride in protecting ... Each franchise location is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. Your application will ...

The Apprentice Pipeliner role is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting and repairing ... Learning environmental regulations, safety directives and operating procedures so that the Company ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Apprentice Operator information

See Livonia, MI salary details

$12

$18

$27

How much do apprentice operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice operator in Livonia, MI is $18.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.96 and $20.48 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 Livonia, MI?

The most popular types of Operator jobs in Livonia, MI are:

What cities near Livonia, MI are hiring for Apprentice Operator jobs?

Cities near Livonia, MI with the most Apprentice Operator job openings:

Machine Operator Apprentice 1

Holly, MI • On-site


Lee Industrial Contracting
Construction • 201 - 500 employees

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Great coworkers

Good employer

Paid breaks


$15.75 - $20.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Founded in 1989, Lee Industrial Contracting is a 100% employee-owned company based in Pontiac, Michigan. We are the premier industrial contractor of choice for a broad variety of equipment installation, construction, and service projects. As employee-owners, we all strive to demonstrate the core values of Safety, Teamwork, Integrity, and Dedication each and every day. As a team, our mission is to provide our customers with the finest people, material, and equipment available. We encourage anyone who shares our values to apply today!
We are proud to offer our employees:
  • Apprenticeship and Comprehensive Training Programs
  • Paid Holidays Upon Hire
  • Competitive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • HSA with Employer Contribution
  • Paid Time Off
  • Company Paid Short-Term Disability & Life Insurance
  • Safety Bonus Program
  • Employee Stock Ownership Program
  • Work Travel Incentive
  • Holiday Bonus
  • Company provided tools
  • And so much more!

Responsibilities:
  • Support other apprentices and foreman on various projects
  • Follow instructions from members of your team and supervisors to ensure tasks are completed efficiently
  • Keep the job site clean and well-organized
  • Handle the loading and unloading of materials, tools, and equipment
  • Ensure attention to detail and follow safety standards
  • Gain essential machine operation skills to progress within the weld/fab department

Requirements:
  • Mechanically inclined with common hand tools (tape measure, power drills, levels, screwdrivers, etc.)
  • Basic Math & Geometry knowledge
  • 1-2 years' experience in the commercial/industrial setting or technical schooling experience
  • Ability to work effectively with all personality types
  • Ability to understand and carry out verbal and written instructions
  • Self-directed and can work independently
  • Valid Driver's License

Preferred Requirements:
  • Torch cutting experience
  • Blueprint reading experience

Equipment and tool experience:
  • Forklift Operation - Material handling and loading/unloading experience
  • Trailer loading of construction material
  • Basic operation of trucks and equipment (Preferred)
  • Overhead crane certified & qualified (NCCER/NCCCO - Preferred)
  • Use of fitting table (Preferred)
  • Combi lifts (Preferred)
  • Ocean beam processor (Preferred)
  • Waterjet table (Preferred)
  • Plasma table (Preferred)
  • Brake press (Preferred)
  • Automated tube bender (Preferred)
  • Radial drill (Preferred)
  • Pipe coper (Preferred)
  • Cold saw (Preferred)
  • Iron worker (Preferred)
  • Drill press (Preferred)
  • Hand grinders (Preferred)
  • Fab shop electric and hand tools

Physical Requirements:
  • Must be able to ascend/descend ladders, scaffolds, stairs, and/or operate scissor/boom lifts while working at height.
  • Work in permit & non-permit required confined spaces and in proximity to loud equipment.
  • Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move up to 50 pounds regularly/occasionally
  • Must be able to respond quickly to auditory alarms, visual signals, or other effective means to communicate hazards
  • Must be able to move safely over uneven terrain or in confined spaces.
  • Must be able to work in cold/hot environments.
  • Must be able to traverse irregular and steep terrain.

This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions, and nothing herein restricts managements right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.


What Lee Industrial Contracting employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom