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Apprentice Operator Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

Communication Apprentice

Tysons, VA · On-site

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

This level Apprentice will be given instruction and work experience installing basic communication ... operating equipment, and assisting in the transportation of various materials. Proper lifting ...

Must be able to read and understand operating manuals * Must be able to occasionally operate heavy ... Carter's Apprenticeship Program is nationally recognized by the Federal Department of Labor and is ...

Must be able to read and understand operating manuals * Must be able to occasionally operate heavy ... Carter's Apprenticeship Program is nationally recognized by the Federal Department of Labor and is ...

... APPRENTICESHIP OPERATOR REQUIREMENTS IN THE DCART OPERATOR TRAINING PROGRAM WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIMELINES, AS OUTLINED IN THE DCART HANDBOOK CAPABLE OF PERFORMING ADVANCED RED CYBER ASSESSMENT MUST ...

... APPRENTICESHIP OPERATOR REQUIREMENTS IN THE DCART OPERATOR TRAINING PROGRAM WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIMELINES, AS OUTLINED IN THE DCART HANDBOOK CAPABLE OF PERFORMING ADVANCED RED CYBER ASSESSMENT MUST ...

Plumber Apprentice

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$50K - $62K/yr

This location is independently owned and operated. Your application will go directly to the owner, and all hiring decisions will be made by the management of this location. All inquiries about ...

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Apprentice Operator information

See Springfield, VA salary details

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How much do apprentice operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice operator in Springfield, VA is $21.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $22.84 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 Springfield, VA? The most popular types of Operator jobs in Springfield, VA are:
What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Apprentice Operator jobs? Cities near Springfield, VA with the most Apprentice Operator job openings:
Communication Apprentice

Communication Apprentice

M.C. Dean, Inc

Tysons, VA • On-site

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


M.C. Dean rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

214th of 367 rated engineering


Job description

Overview
About M.C. Dean
M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. With over 7,000 employees, our capabilities span electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration.
Why Join Us?
Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values-agility, expertise, and trust-we foster a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment. At M.C. Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity
Communication Technician Apprentices are employees and have basic employee responsibilities. This level Apprentice will be given instruction and work experience installing basic communication equipment which involves using hand tools and power tools, a basic understanding of electrical blueprints, and knowledge of the NEC. Additionally, each Apprentice must make every effort to become a well-qualified technician. This requires registering for related instruction courses, attending regularly and being on time.
Responsibilities
  • Assisting in pulling various types of wiring.
  • Assisting in Site Grounding
  • Assisting in Pulling Low Voltage Cable
  • Assisting in Prefab Assembly installation.
  • Assisting in Core Drilling
  • Assisting in the installation of Cable Tray.
  • Installing Devices
  • Maintaining clean work area.
  • Securing company tools daily
  • Assist with monthly tool checks.
  • Participating in Job site clean up.
  • Handling material.
  • Preparing the work area.
  • Demonstrating effective use of hand tools such as drill motors, sawzalls, hydraulic knockouts punches, etc.
  • Wearing all Personal Safety Equipment
  • Following safety policies and rules
  • Reading, understanding and demonstrating use of Activity Hazard Analysis
  • Demonstrating proper use and care of tools
  • Displaying understanding of and following material safeguarding and storage practices
  • Displaying understanding of and following equipment safety, safeguarding and storage.
  • Assisting in all size of telecom wire pulling.
  • Participating actively in Daily work briefings.

Qualifications
  • High school diploma or GED are required with 0+ months experience
  • Must be 18 years of age
  • Must have reliable transportation to and from the jobsite and school.
  • Be willing to attend school in the evenings one or two nights a week for three (3) years.
  • This is a 40 hour per week position
  • Overtime work expected when needed Potential of temporary travel may be involved.
  • Up to 50% of travel may be required.
  • Ability to obtain US Secret Clearance.

Desired:
  • Apprentices must be able to follow directions to install a quality product under the guidance of Technicians, Foreman or other leadership.
  • Apprentices must have Basic hand tool set to include Snips and Punch down Tool.
  • Apprentices with experience assisting with Fiber Optics is a plus.
  • Vocational Training is a plus.

Abilities:
  • The position requires the ability to lift, carry, and move objects weighing up to [50 pounds] on a regular basis. Candidates must demonstrate physical strength and stamina to perform various tasks, including but not limited to, loading, and unloading, operating equipment, and assisting in the transportation of various materials. Proper lifting techniques and safety protocols must be followed to ensure personal and team safety.
  • Relocates a 12 foot stepladder without assistance.
  • Works at various heights up to 60 feet and can climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial lifts, catwalks and all types of ladders.
  • Walks, climbs, lifts, squats, crawls, kneels, pushes, pulls and reaches overhead on a routine and repetitive basis.
  • Possess good vision (may be corrected vision), the ability to see in color, and the ability to hear and communicate in English.
  • May use a standard ladder without exceeding the weight limit while carrying tools.
  • Tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
  • Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (including finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
  • See details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

What M.C. Dean employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About M.C. Dean

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence®. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most recognizable mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. The company's capabilities include electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life-safety, instrumentation and control, and command and control systems. M.C. Dean is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, and employs more than 5,100 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure, and resilient power and technology systems; and deliver the management platforms essential for long-term system sustainability.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Tysons, VA, US

Year founded

1949

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