Equipment Operator Apprentice Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

An Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of North American Stamping Group to provide employment, training, promotion, and other conditions of employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age or status as a qualified individual with a disability or other status protected by law.

Your success is our success … Our sales have grown annually at a compounded rate of 18.0% for the last eight years, tripling our business, while making us one of the largest leading Tier II automotive stamping and assembly suppliers.

What you get in return … our Press Operator Apprentice pay starts at $22.00 per hour and upon completion can go up to $29.32. Our employees become eligible for Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance after 30 days of employment. In addition, we offer a competitive 401(k) program, paid holidays, and vacation. You will also be eligible for a $1000 SIGN ON BONUS.

Come grow with us … North American Stamping is expanding and looking to hire. We are looking for an experienced Stamping Press Operator at our facility in Portland, TN.

The Press Operator Apprentice will work under the supervision of experienced press operators to learn how to safely and efficiently operate a stamping press to produce quality stamped parts. The apprentice will focus on developing skills in safety, quality assurance, and efficient production techniques while following NASG standards and procedures. This role is designed to provide hands-on training and mentorship, fostering a continuous improvement mindset through TQPS principles. Additional tasks may be assigned by the team leader as needed.

The Press Operator Apprentice will participate in a structured training program designed to develop essential skills for operating stamping presses. Training will include hands-on experience, safety protocols, quality control, and process improvement techniques. In addition to hands-on training, apprentices will attend classroom instruction sessions covering foundational topics such as blueprint reading, quality inspection procedures, safety regulations, and production best practices. Successful completion of the apprenticeship may lead to a full-time Press Operator role within NASG.

A. Assist in operating stamping presses, including Linear transfer systems and auxiliary equipment, under direct supervision.

B. Support changeovers, adjustments, and production startups at the press. Learn how to set up and adjust auxiliary equipment such as coil feeders, straighteners, and blankers.

C. Observe and assist in maintaining process parameters as dictated from the die setup sheet.

D. Participate in quality inspections and visual checks, learning how to use required instruments and gauges. Assist in reporting results in Shop Edge and following nonconforming material procedures when necessary.

E. Report any quality, production, or safety concerns to the team leader.

F. Assist in basic equipment care and routine maintenance activities.

G. Follow and maintain 5-S standards in the prescribed work area.

H. Engage in TQPS activities and be open to learning and suggesting process improvements.

I. Adhere to all safety requirements and utilize prescribed personal protective equipment at all times.

J. Be available for overtime as required.

K. Progress through training milestones and complete assigned learning objectives.

L. Learn and follow procedures for safety-critical parts when required (NASG WI-071 D-Part).

M. Candidates must be available for any shift upon program completion, based on business needs. In some cases, shift assignments may change before graduation.

Education:

• High school diploma or GED – or training plan to obtain within 2 years
• Basic computer skills (email, login, run application)
• Demonstrated basic math skills
• Demonstrated reading and comprehension skills
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude skills

Experience:

• No prior manufacturing experience required; previous work in an assembly or manufacturing environment is a plus.
• Interest in developing hands-on technical skills.

Personal/Technical Skills:

• The term of the apprenticeship program is 1 year with an OJL attainment of 2,000 hours, supplemented by the minimum required of 144 hours of related instruction. Individuals are required to be at NASG for classroom training and on-the-job training daily.
• Ability to work with a dynamic and demanding team.
• Strong willingness to learn and follow instructions.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
• Attention to detail and commitment to producing quality work.
• Strong work ethic with a proactive approach to daily duties.
• Ability to work at a steady pace and meet production goals.
• Accountability, teachability, and approachability.
• Problem-solving skills and flexibility to adapt to changes.
• Strong commitment to workplace safety and following safety guidelines.
• Willingness to contribute ideas for improvement and actively participate in training.

Language Skills:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English. (Will translate to Spanish in Mexico version)

Computer/Software:

• Demonstrated basic computer skills.

Training:

• New hire orientation
• Environmental, health, & safety
• Quality (IATF16949) & Environmental (ISO-14001) systems
• Operational Excellence systems and procedures (TQPS)
• Shop Edge training
• OJT baseline training and completion of ILUO training matrix

Plant:

• Various types of manufacturing environments.
• Standard automotive plant environment with moderate noise level.
• PPE (personal protective equipment) such as safety glasses, steel toe shoes, Kevlar sleeves, gloves, hearing protection, etc. may be required in designated engineering, manufacturing, or industrial areas. Personal attire standards may apply.
• Involves moderate or occasional presence of some slightly disagreeable conditions, i.e., cold, dust, heat, odor, etc.

Travel:

• Travel not routinely required

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The primary job functions involve the ability to stand while operating equipment for extended periods of time. The team member must be capable of walking, sitting, and standing for extended periods during scheduled shift and is frequently required to lift, move, and carry up to 35 pounds and occasionally required to lift 50 pounds. (Review physical job demands analysis form)

Disclaimer: This job description is intended to identify the general nature and level of work performed by team members within this classification, as well as certain essential job functions. It is not intended, and should not be interpreted, as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of team members assigned to this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice, based on operational needs. To qualify for this job, however, a team member must be able to perform its essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Under no circumstances may this job description be construed as altering the at-will nature of the employment relationship between NASG and any team member.

Note: This job description is intended as a guide to outline the expectations and responsibilities of the Press Operator Apprentice role. Duties and responsibilities may be adjusted based on business needs and the apprentice's progress in training.

Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: North American Stamping Group (NASG) is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are valued and respected. Our hiring decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. NASG prohibits discrimination and harassment.