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Apprentice Woodworking Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Union - Apprentice

Chattanooga, TN

$15.50 - $20/hr

Union - Apprentice PatternmakerApprenticeJobDescription Mueller Water Products is the nation ... Completion of a short-term introductory carpentry course covering foundational woodworking, hand ...

Apprentice Woodworking information

See Tennessee salary details

$11

$18

$25

How much do apprentice woodworking jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice woodworking in Tennessee is $18.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $20.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an apprentice woodworker?

Apprentice woodworking jobs are entry-level positions where individuals learn the skills and techniques needed to become professional woodworkers. As an apprentice, you typically work under the supervision of experienced craftsmen, assisting with tasks such as measuring, cutting, assembling, and finishing wood projects. These positions provide on-the-job training and may also include formal classroom instruction. Apprenticeships are a common pathway into the woodworking trade, offering hands-on experience and the opportunity to develop specialized skills. Over time, apprentices can progress to more advanced roles as they gain proficiency.

What kind of hands-on projects can an apprentice woodworker expect to work on during their training?

As an Apprentice Woodworker, you can expect to participate in a variety of hands-on projects that build your skills from basic to advanced levels. Early on, you may assist with measuring, cutting, sanding, and assembling pieces for cabinetry, furniture, or custom millwork under the guidance of experienced carpenters. Over time, you'll gradually take on more complex tasks such as finishing, joinery, and reading blueprints. Apprentices often work closely with a small team, learning proper tool use, safety procedures, and problem-solving techniques essential for high-quality craftsmanship.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice woodworker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Woodworker, you need a basic understanding of woodworking techniques, hand and power tool operation, and an eagerness to learn from experienced craftsmen, often supported by a high school diploma or GED. Familiarity with tools such as saws, sanders, measuring devices, and safety equipment is crucial, and some employers may require OSHA safety certification. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong communication make you stand out when collaborating with teams and following instructions. These skills are vital for producing quality work, ensuring safety, and enabling steady advancement in the woodworking trade.

What is the difference between Apprentice Woodworking vs Journeyman Woodworker?

AspectApprentice WoodworkingJourneyman Woodworker
CredentialsOn-the-job training, sometimes basic certificationsCompleted apprenticeship, recognized certification or license
Work EnvironmentLearning environment, supervised tasksIndependent work, skilled craftsmanship
Experience LevelEntry-level, developing skillsExperienced, capable of complex projects
Industry UsageTraining phase within woodworking industryFull-fledged professional in woodworking

In summary, an Apprentice Woodworking is in the training phase, gaining foundational skills under supervision, while a Journeyman Woodworker has completed training and can work independently on complex projects. The transition from apprentice to journeyman involves acquiring certifications and practical experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Woodworking jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Woodworking jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Woodworking jobs in Tennessee?

For Apprentice Woodworking jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Apprentice Woodworking jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Apprentice Woodworking jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Apprentice Woodworking jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Apprentice Woodworking job openings:

Infographic showing various Apprentice Woodworking job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,335 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

$15.50 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Mueller Water Products rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Who We Are:

Thank you for your interest in Mueller Water Products, Inc.

For more than 165 years, Mueller Water Products, Inc. has been building the future of water infrastructure. From lifesaving fire protection to data intelligence, we are committed to developing products and solutions that help cities and utilities deliver clean, safe drinking water to hundreds of millions of people across North America.

Our purpose is to connect communities to water, life's most essential resource, with exceptional, people solutions and products. Behind that purpose is a dedicated team, united by our shared values of respect, integrity, trust, inclusion and safety. With a vision to be the leader in water infrastructure solutions-solving challenges, enriching lives and safeguarding the future-we are making a positive impact that will last for generations.

By joining Mueller, you become part of a dynamic team dedicated to excellence and innovation, working collaboratively to achieve meaningful results. We champion our people because when they succeed, our communities thrive. We invite you to learn more about career opportunities with us and consider submitting your application.

Union - Apprentice

PatternmakerApprenticeJobDescription

Mueller Water Products is the nation's leading manufacturer of flow control devices for the water and gas distribution industries and has an immediate opening for aGeneral Laborer - Factory in our Chattanooga, TN facility. For over 160 years MWP's manufacturing commitment has ensured one of the world's most precious resources,cleandrinkingwater,reachesmillionsofpeopledaily. Cometo beapartofsomethingthatsustainsand enriches the lives of every human being.

Job Description

Mueller's manufacturing commitment ensures one of the world's most precious resources, clean drinking water, reachesmillionsofpeopledaily.Cometo beapartofsomethingthatsustainsandenrichesthelivesofeveryhuman being.As aPatternmakerApprentice, youwill...

Patternmaker Apprenticeship Program (Registered Apprenticeship - TDOL)

The Patternmaker Apprenticeship Program is a Tennessee Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship designed to develop skilled Patternmakers through a structured combination of related technical instruction and supervised on-the-job training.

Program Components:

  • Related Technical Instruction (RTI):
  • Completion of two (2) years of formal classroom instruction at Chattanooga State Community College in courses aligned with patternmaking, machining fundamentals, blueprint reading, mathematics, and manufacturing processes
  • Successful completion of Tooling U online coursework to supplement classroom instruction and reinforce industry-recognized competencies
  • Completion of a short-term introductory carpentry course covering foundational woodworking, hand tools, power tools, safety practices, and materialselection
  • On-the-Job Training (OJT):
  • A minimum of8,000 hoursof structured, supervised on-the-job training under the guidance of a qualifiedJourney worker
  • Progressive skill development in pattern layout, construction, modification, repair, and maintenance, including the use of hand tools, machine tools, and precision measuring equipment
  • Training aligned with a defined work process schedulein accordance withTDOL apprenticeship requirements

Program Completion:

  • Upon successful completion of all RTI and OJT requirements, apprentices will be eligible for a Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship issued by the Tennessee Department of Labor.

The primarytrainingfunctions include, but are not limited to:

  • Worksafelyinthemanufacturingproductionenvironment
  • Followdetailedverbal/writtenassemblyinstructions,processes,andprocedures
  • Operatehandpowertools,presses,drills,lifts,andcontrolequipmentefficientlyandsafely
  • Performqualitycontrolchecksandverificationofworkorderspecifications
  • Properlyfilloutbasicforms,reports,andlabelproductscorrectly
  • Reportproblemswithquality,processes,equipmentandmaterialstoProductionSupervisor
  • Record daily all work performed and correct distribution of work time
  • Keep the department/work area clean of trash and debris
  • Fill in areas of need as needed to cover absences
  • Use software systems as needed to complete job duties
  • Contribute to culture of high-quality products
  • Maintainsacleanandorganizedworkareatofacilitatemanufacturingfunctions
  • Performotherjob-relateddutiesandfillinwhereneededasdirectedbysupervisor or team leader
  • TheSupervisorwillinstructeachemployeeintheresponsibilitiesaslistedintheprocedures
  • TheSupervisorwillinformeachemployeewheretoaccesstheproceduremanual
  • Covert engineeringdrawseffective foundry patterns and core boxes.
  • Ability to calculate casting weight and develop design for costing.
  • Familiarity with gating,risersand foundry methods.
  • Casting drawings and new pattern/tooling development.
  • Ability toassistin the planning and making of a layout for a pattern from the mechanical drawing of the finished article.
  • Safety processes in the plant including environmental policies and standard SOPs.
  • Basic understanding of molding and core making processes along with tilt/pour mold processes.
  • Prototype design, machining, 3D modeling,programmingor pattern making.
  • Ability to review and interpret blueprints of parts to be cast, computing dimensions, and plan the sequences of operations.
  • Ability tolayout patterns into sections according to shape of casting tofacilitateremoval of pattern from the mold, including coring, gating, and other foundry practices with theappropriate markingand measuring devices.
  • Perform Cutting, forming, and shaping pattern parts using general shop machinery such as power sawing machines, drilling and boring machines, lathes, planning and smoothing machines, grinders, sanders,millingand automatic control machine

Required Education:

  • High School diploma/GED

Responsibilities:

  • Work Safely in the Manufacturing Production Environment.
  • Follow detailed verbal / written assembly instructions, processes, and procedures.
  • Read and understand customer work orders and assembly instructions.
  • Prepare and assemble materials and parts in a manufacturing production environment.
  • Move, process, and organize materials and manufactured products.
  • Operate hand power tools, presses, mills, lathes, drills, lifts, control equipment efficiently and safely
  • Perform quality control checks and verification of work order specifications.
  • Properly fill out basic forms, reports, and label products correctly
  • Communicates and works effectively with others.
  • May providehands onand verbal job function training to coworkers as needed.
  • Report problems with quality, processes,equipmentand materials to Production Supervisor.
  • Maintains a clean and organized work area tofacilitatemanufacturing functions.

Work is scheduled Monday throughThursday. Shifts are10 hours with mandatory overtime shifts. Overtime is paid ontime,workedover40 hoursa week. The facility does have multipleshifts;employees MUST be flexible and maybe requiredto change shifts.

Job Expectations:

  • Ability to usehandson evaluation of parts/work.
  • Ability tofrequentlysit, stand, walk, reach within hands and arm's length, stoop, kneel, and crouch.
  • Ability to lift and/or move 25 pounds, and up to 50 pounds.
  • Specific vision requirements include close vision and color vision.
  • Ability to use power tools, airtoolsand other vibratory tools.
  • Ability to work from a standing position for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to work around hot heavy machinery
  • Ability to work in an open warehouse environment, subject to seasonal weather (extreme hot/cold)
  • Ability to travel from plant to school areas

Requiredand/orRecommendedPersonalProtectiveEquipment(PPE):

  • SafetyGlasses
  • HearingProtection
  • SteelToe/MetGuardShoes

MuellerisanEqualOpportunityEmployer.

We are an equalopportunity employer. Allqualified applicants willreceive consideration foremploymentwithoutregard to race,color,religion,sex,sexualorientation,genderidentity,nationalorigin,disability,statusasaprotectedveteran, orany other category protected by law.

Other Compensation & Benefits:

Mueller offersan excellent salary and benefits package.Current benefit offerings include medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k plan with 5% Company match, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability benefits, vacation, 100% paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement program, student debt retirement matching, well-being program, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), company-provided life insurance, supplemental insurance at group rates, and more.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Mueller Water Products, Inc., as well as its subsidiaries, are equal employment employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or expression), age, national origin, disability, citizenship status (except as authorized by law), protected veteran status, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In keeping with its obligations under applicable federal, state, and local law, Mueller will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or interview process, please contact a member of the Human Resources Department.

Notice of E-Verify Participation:

This employer participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is a web-based system that allows employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. The system compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records. This notice applies to all applicants and employees, including those hired to work remotely.

Upon enrollment, employers participating in E-Verify are required to clearly display the Notice of E-Verify Participation and Right to Work posters in English and Spanish, both which may be accessed at the links provided below.

IER Right to Work Poster (English/Spanish)

E-Verify Participation Poster (English/Spanish)

Accommodation:

Ifyourequireaccommodationsduringanystageoftheapplicationorinterviewprocess,pleaseletusknow.Wearehappytoworkwithyoutomeetyourneeds.


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