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Machine Operator Trainee Jobs in North Carolina (NOW HIRING)

Operator Trainee: The Impact You'll Have On The Organization and World * You'll help us achieve ... You'll collaborate to carry out various manufacturing tasks, such as operating machinery ...

The Frame Machine Operator / Assembler Trainee is an entry-level position designed to develop the skills needed to fabricate and assemble furniture frames. Under the guidance of experienced team ...

Backup Operator-Conover NC

Conover, NC

$15.75 - $18.50/hr

Machine Operator Essential Functions and Responsibilities: * Always Follow all Dalco Nonwovens ... Support training of new trainees when requested. * Maintain work area organization and contribute ...

CUSHION - SEW TRAINEE

Conover, NC · On-site

$13.75 - $16.50/hr

Trainees will be responsible for learning how to accurately and efficiently operating sewing machine to join cut fabric pieces for upholstering. Position Responsibilities: * Remove cover from bins ...

New

Trainees work closely with skilled welders, machines operators, and experienced industrial painters to learn valuable skills. Day-to-day duties involve the use of hand tools and measuring tapes.

The primary purpose of the Moulder Operator (Trainee) is to learn all aspects of the moulders ... machine in the area. * Demonstrate the ability to set-up and adjust the DET. * Must be able to ...

The primary purpose of the Moulder Operator (Trainee) is to learn all aspects of the moulders ... machine in the area. * Demonstrate the ability to set-up and adjust the DET. * Must be able to ...

Showing results 21-40

Machine Operator Trainee information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a machine operator trainee?

To thrive as a Machine Operator Trainee, you need basic mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manufacturing equipment, safety protocols, and basic computer systems or programmable logic controllers (PLCs) is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and a willingness to learn help trainees excel in fast-paced production environments. These abilities are crucial for ensuring operational efficiency, minimizing downtime, and maintaining workplace safety.

What are some common challenges machine operator trainees face during their initial months on the job?

Machine Operator Trainees often encounter challenges such as learning to operate complex machinery safely, adapting to fast-paced production environments, and mastering quality control procedures. Adjusting to shift work and understanding the importance of teamwork in a manufacturing setting can also take time. However, most employers provide hands-on training and mentorship to support new trainees as they build confidence and proficiency in their roles.

What is the difference between Machine Operator Trainee vs Machine Operator?

AspectMachine Operator TraineeMachine Operator
CredentialsMay require a high school diploma or equivalent; training provided on the jobTypically requires relevant certifications or licenses; experience preferred
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, learning phaseFull operational environment, responsible for machine operation
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting and learning machine operation tasksOperating machinery independently, ensuring safety and efficiency

The main difference is that a Machine Operator Trainee is in a learning phase, often supervised and still acquiring skills, while a Machine Operator is fully responsible for operating machinery independently. Trainees focus on gaining experience, whereas operators perform the job routinely with established skills.

How to become a machine operator trainee with no experience?

To become a machine operator trainee with no experience, focus on gaining basic technical skills through vocational training or community college courses, and highlight your willingness to learn and work in a manufacturing environment. Some employers offer on-the-job training for entry-level candidates, so applying to companies that provide training programs can also be effective.

How to get started as a machine operator trainee?

To start as a machine operator trainee, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and basic technical skills. Employers often provide on-the-job training, but having familiarity with machinery, safety protocols, and the ability to follow instructions can be beneficial. Some positions may require certifications in equipment operation or safety standards.

What do machine operator trainees do?

Machine operator trainees learn to operate and monitor manufacturing equipment, such as presses, lathes, or conveyor systems. They gain skills in safety procedures, quality control, and troubleshooting under supervision to prepare for full-time roles as machine operators.

What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Operator jobs in North Carolina?

The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs in North Carolina are:

What cities in North Carolina are hiring for Machine Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities in North Carolina with the most Machine Operator Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Machine Operator Trainee job openings in North Carolina as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 46% Part Time, 7% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Operator Trainee - Conway, NC

bakelite

Conway, NC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Operator Trainee: The Impact You’ll Have On The Organization and World

  • You’ll help us achieve operational excellence. As an Operator Trainee, you will ensure high-quality standards that help our organization to consistently meet production goals and enhance overall operational efficiency. 
  • You’ll be a key member of a dynamic team that’s built on open communication, trust and transparency.
  • You’ll collaborate to carry out various manufacturing tasks, such as operating machinery, monitoring production processes, and ensuring quality control.
  • You’ll build a meaningful career. At Bakelite, you’ll be supported by ongoing learning and development through our well-established training and certification program, designed to help you advance and grow professionally. 
  • You’ll play a critical role in Safety and Reliability. You’ll help us further strengthen our commitment to safety by adhering to all plant health, safety, and environmental guidelines and effectively troubleshooting equipment issues. 

It's Better with Bakelite: Our Commitment Back to You

  • You’ll Help Shape Our Future. As a Bakelite associate, you’re part of a diverse, global population creating the next generation of the company and we expect you to put your fingerprint on it.
  • We Champion Our Associates. At Bakelite, you don’t just climb the career ladder – you pave your personal path through continued learning and development.
  • Together, We Will Protect the Planet. From our processes to our products, we are focusing on the opportunities that both grow our profitability as a company, and improve and protect the planet.
  • Safety is a Core Value. At Bakelite, safety is a 24/7 mindset. We are all safe today to ensure we are able to show up tomorrow – for our families and friends, for each other and for our communities.
  • We Care. Plain and simple, we care about our associates. From the top on down, we place a high value on our culture and the associate experience. We offer competitive compensation, robust benefits and support our associates every step of their career.

Life in Conway: Located in the eastern part of the state, Conway is a small North Carolina town within 100 miles of Richmond, Norfolk-Virginia Beach and the Raleigh-Durham area.   

  • Our Conway team has strong ties to the local community. We recently sponsored the town’s annual charity golf tournament, and several of our associates are active in the volunteer Conway Fire Department, to which Bakelite donates essential emergency services equipment. 
  • A nearby attraction is the Roanoke River, which flows across North Carolina’s coastal plain and is home to lots of wildlife, including more than 200 species of birds. You can also explore the Roanoke Canal Museum and Trail, which highlights the historical significance the canal system played in westward expansion and trade. 
  • Learn more about Conway

What Does a Typical Day Look Like? Here are your primary responsibilities:

  • Loading and unloading raw materials and finished goods in accordance with customer and chemical specifications. Training and skill development to advance in production, learning to operate and monitor chemical reaction process to manufacture polymer resins, industrial chemicals and raw materials. 
  • Monitoring equipment and performing minor troubleshooting to ensure optimal production and minimal downtime.
  • Using a computer to document data such as shipping and receiving information and manufacturing processes.
  • Working in outside weather conditions as well as in an industrial environment, at heights and in confined spaces.
  • Adhering to all plant health, safety, and environmental guidelines, policies and procedures by wearing necessary Personal Protection equipment (PPE), i.e., hard hats, safety glasses, face shield, chemical suit, respirator, ear plugs, hearing protection, steel-toe boots or safety shoes and other PPE required by specific jobs.
  • Meeting and exceeding production goals while maintaining a focus on safety, meeting the physical and safety requirements of the job, and working a rotating shift schedule in a 24/7 operations, including nights, weekends and holidays.

What is Needed to be Successful in this Role (Required Skills/Abilities):

  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Experience operating a forklift.
  • At least two (2) years of continuous employment in the last four (4) years preferred.
  • One (1) year or more of experience in an industrial, warehouse, military, farming, construction, mechanical or production environment.  
  • One (1) year or more of experience using a computer or tablet to record information and using a computer for data entry of record keeping documentation, shipping and receiving information, or manufacturing processes documentation.

Are you ready to help us build a better tomorrow and put your fingerprints on the world?  Apply for this exciting opportunity, and learn more about our hiring process, insights from our global associates, our robust benefits and more at Bakelite.com/careers.