Operator is responsible for adjusting glue machinery to fit particular style of carton being ... The operator is also responsible to train feeder/catcher trainees as necessary. * Must assume ...
Operator is responsible for adjusting glue machinery to fit particular style of carton being ... The operator is also responsible to train feeder/catcher trainees as necessary. * Must assume ...
Machining Trainee / Machining Finisher 1st & 2nd Shift Openings
Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site
$20/hr
Machinist Trainee / Machining Finisher - No Experience Required $20/hour | Hire-On Bonus | Day 1 ... Machine Operator: Move onto the floor running production equipment under the guidance of ...
Machining Trainee / Machining Finisher 1st & 2nd Shift Openings
Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site
$20/hr
Machinist Trainee / Machining Finisher - No Experience Required $20/hour | Hire-On Bonus | Day 1 ... Machine Operator: Move onto the floor running production equipment under the guidance of ...
Machining Trainee / Machining Finisher 1st & 2nd Shift Openings
Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site
$20/hr
Machinist Trainee / Machining Finisher - No Experience Required $20/hour | Hire-On Bonus | Day 1 ... Machine Operator: Move onto the floor running production equipment under the guidance of ...
Machining Trainee / Machining Finisher 1st & 2nd Shift Openings
Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site
$20/hr
Machinist Trainee / Machining Finisher - No Experience Required $20/hour | Hire-On Bonus | Day 1 ... Machine Operator: Move onto the floor running production equipment under the guidance of ...
Machining Trainee / Machining Finisher 1st & 2nd Shift Openings
Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site
$20/hr
Machinist Trainee / Machining Finisher - No Experience Required $20/hour | Hire-On Bonus | Day 1 ... Machine Operator: Move onto the floor running production equipment under the guidance of ...
Machining Trainee / Machining Finisher 1st & 2nd Shift Openings
Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site
$20/hr
Machinist Trainee / Machining Finisher - No Experience Required $20/hour | Hire-On Bonus | Day 1 ... Machine Operator: Move onto the floor running production equipment under the guidance of ...
... operated community for our residents and staff. This is a SEIU Local No. 1 Union position . The ... The Helper C Janitor or Helper C Janitor Trainee , a SEIU Local No. 1 union position, is ...
... operated community for our residents and staff. This is a SEIU Local No. 1 Union position . The ... The Helper C Janitor or Helper C Janitor Trainee , a SEIU Local No. 1 union position, is ...
Condo Building Maintenance Technician Helper C / Helper C Trainee (Edgewater)
Chicago, IL · On-site
$20.54 - $22.82/hr
... operated community for our residents and staff. This is a SEIU Local No. 1 Union position . The ... The Helper C Janitor or Helper C Janitor Trainee , a SEIU Local No. 1 union position, is ...
Quick apply
Condo Building Maintenance Technician Helper C / Helper C Trainee (Edgewater)
Chicago, IL · On-site
$20.54 - $22.82/hr
... operated community for our residents and staff. This is a SEIU Local No. 1 Union position . The ... The Helper C Janitor or Helper C Janitor Trainee , a SEIU Local No. 1 union position, is ...
Mechanic Training Program - Production Operator
Kenosha, WI · On-site
$25.70/hr
Mechanic Trainee / Operator - Grow Your Career With Us Looking to build a long-term career, not ... machine operation, lift truck operation, and quality inspection. This cross-training provides ...
Mechanic Training Program - Production Operator
Kenosha, WI · On-site
$25.70/hr
Mechanic Trainee / Operator - Grow Your Career With Us Looking to build a long-term career, not ... machine operation, lift truck operation, and quality inspection. This cross-training provides ...
Mechanic Training Program - Production Operator
Kenosha, WI · On-site
$25.70/hr
Mechanic Trainee / Operator - Grow Your Career With Us Looking to build a long-term career, not ... machine operation, lift truck operation, and quality inspection. This cross-training provides ...
Mechanic Training Program - Production Operator
Kenosha, WI · On-site
$25.70/hr
Mechanic Trainee / Operator - Grow Your Career With Us Looking to build a long-term career, not ... machine operation, lift truck operation, and quality inspection. This cross-training provides ...
Mechanic Training Program - Production Operator
Kenosha, WI · On-site
$25.70/hr
Mechanic Trainee / Operator - Grow Your Career With Us Looking to build a long-term career, not ... machine operation, lift truck operation, and quality inspection. This cross-training provides ...
Mechanic Training Program - Production Operator
Kenosha, WI · On-site
$25.70/hr
Mechanic Trainee / Operator - Grow Your Career With Us Looking to build a long-term career, not ... machine operation, lift truck operation, and quality inspection. This cross-training provides ...
Appliance Repair Technician Trainee
Cary, IL · On-site
$15 - $22/hr
... tools, be okay with lifting heavy machinery, and of course, be incredibly skilled in ... This business is independently owned and operated. Your application will go directly to the ...
Appliance Repair Technician Trainee
Cary, IL · On-site
$15 - $22/hr
... tools, be okay with lifting heavy machinery, and of course, be incredibly skilled in ... This business is independently owned and operated. Your application will go directly to the ...
Process Technician
$62K - $66K/yr
Training new blow mold operators and technicians in proper troubleshooting of mechanical and ... trainees to meet the expectations required to be able to efficiently run their machines in all ...
Quick apply
Process Technician
$62K - $66K/yr
Training new blow mold operators and technicians in proper troubleshooting of mechanical and ... trainees to meet the expectations required to be able to efficiently run their machines in all ...
Process Technician
Kenosha, WI · On-site
Training new blow mold operators and technicians in proper troubleshooting of mechanical and ... trainees to meet the expectations required to be able to efficiently run their machines in all ...
Process Technician
Kenosha, WI · On-site
Training new blow mold operators and technicians in proper troubleshooting of mechanical and ... trainees to meet the expectations required to be able to efficiently run their machines in all ...
Mechanic Trainee / Operator - Grow Your Career With Us Looking to build a long-term career, not ... machine operation, lift truck operation, and quality inspection. This cross-training provides ...
Mechanic Trainee / Operator - Grow Your Career With Us Looking to build a long-term career, not ... machine operation, lift truck operation, and quality inspection. This cross-training provides ...
Service Apprentice/Trainee - Chicago
Hoffman Estates, IL · On-site
$55K/yr
... machinery. General office environment experienced at DMG MORI office. Physical Demands: Frequent: Travel, operating a vehicle, sitting, standing, walking, bending, squatting, stooping, and reaching.
Quick apply
Service Apprentice/Trainee - Chicago
Hoffman Estates, IL · On-site
$55K/yr
... machinery. General office environment experienced at DMG MORI office. Physical Demands: Frequent: Travel, operating a vehicle, sitting, standing, walking, bending, squatting, stooping, and reaching.
Helper/Laborer/Trainee/Utility : Prepares work area by transporting needed tools and equipment from ... Operator : An operating engineer's job entails operating and maintaining heavy equipment, such as ...
Helper/Laborer/Trainee/Utility : Prepares work area by transporting needed tools and equipment from ... Operator : An operating engineer's job entails operating and maintaining heavy equipment, such as ...
... machine skills - providing feedback, machine certification responsibility, and conducting ... trainees & leaders in their role • Participates in new teammate hiring process - assesses ...
... machine skills - providing feedback, machine certification responsibility, and conducting ... trainees & leaders in their role • Participates in new teammate hiring process - assesses ...
Moldmaker
Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site
$32 - $40/hr
Mentor moldmaker apprentices and other trainees.Primary Job ResponsibilitiesBuild tooling to ... Build assembly and machining fixturesComplete preventive maintenance, repairs, and insert ...
Quick apply
Moldmaker
Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site
$32 - $40/hr
Mentor moldmaker apprentices and other trainees.Primary Job ResponsibilitiesBuild tooling to ... Build assembly and machining fixturesComplete preventive maintenance, repairs, and insert ...
... machine skills - providing feedback, machine certification responsibility, and conducting ... trainees & leaders in their role • Participates in new teammate hiring process - assesses ...
... machine skills - providing feedback, machine certification responsibility, and conducting ... trainees & leaders in their role • Participates in new teammate hiring process - assesses ...
Moldmaker
Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site
Mentor moldmaker apprentices and other trainees. Primary Job Responsibilities Build tooling to ... Build assembly and machining fixtures Complete preventive maintenance, repairs, and insert ...
Moldmaker
Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site
Mentor moldmaker apprentices and other trainees. Primary Job Responsibilities Build tooling to ... Build assembly and machining fixtures Complete preventive maintenance, repairs, and insert ...
Tooling Supervisor posted 4/2026
Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site
$35 - $50/hr
... operating in the Chicago area since 1970Best Places to Work Top Ten finalist in 2026 and 2025 ... trainees as neededDocument and monitor departmental KPI (Key Performance Indicators) to drive ...
Quick apply
Tooling Supervisor posted 4/2026
Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site
$35 - $50/hr
... operating in the Chicago area since 1970Best Places to Work Top Ten finalist in 2026 and 2025 ... trainees as neededDocument and monitor departmental KPI (Key Performance Indicators) to drive ...
Machine Operator Trainee information
See Lake Bluff, IL salary details
$11.93 - $12.97
1% of jobs
$12.97 - $14.01
3% of jobs
$14.01 - $15.05
7% of jobs
$15.05 - $16.09
12% of jobs
$16.20 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$16.09 - $17.13
16% of jobs
The median wage is $17.66 / hr.
$17.13 - $18.18
21% of jobs
$18.18 - $19.22
14% of jobs
$19.27 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$19.22 - $20.26
11% of jobs
$20.26 - $21.30
7% of jobs
$21.30 - $22.34
5% of jobs
$22.34 - $23.38
2% of jobs
$11
$18
$23
How much do machine operator trainee jobs pay per hour?
How to get started as a machine operator trainee?
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a machine operator trainee?
What is the difference between Machine Operator Trainee vs Machine Operator?
| Aspect | Machine Operator Trainee | Machine Operator |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | May require a high school diploma or equivalent; training provided on the job | Typically requires relevant certifications or licenses; experience preferred |
| Work Environment | Training environment, supervised, learning phase | Full operational environment, responsible for machine operation |
| Job Responsibilities | Assisting and learning machine operation tasks | Operating 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.
What are some common challenges machine operator trainees face during their initial months on the job?
What is a machine operator trainee?

$24.49/hr
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO
Re-posted 13 days ago
Graphic Packaging International rating
6.7
Based on 125 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
84th of 119 rated packaging manufacturers
Job description
$2,000 SIGNING BONUS!
OPPORTUNITY: We are a Foodservice folding carton manufacturing operation seeking candidates to join our Elk Grove Village, IL team. We're recruiting for multiple positions so be sure you review all of our job postings. This job posting is for a Finishing Operator. We continually encourage our employees to advance their careers through on the job training and job progression through our strong promotion from within program. We offer a wide array of benefits including, but not limited to, Paid Vacation & Holidays, optional Health, Dental, and Life Insurance, including health spending accounts and a progressive healthy lifestyle program, as well as 401-K with a company matching component and standard supplemental company contributions. Employees may voluntarily elect Pet Insurance, Home & Auto Insurance Programs, Purchasing Power, Tuition Reimbursement, Aflac, Lifelock Identity Protection, and Hyatt Legal Services. Tobacco Cessation and Employee Assistance/Referral Program, Uniform Service, Safety Shoe, and Safety Prescription-Eyewear benefits are also available.
Please review all of our job postings and apply for each position you feel you're qualified and would like to be considered for.
Finishing Operator Wage:
Starting at $24.49/hour base shift differentials and progressive job rate pay increases.
Finishing Operator Schedule Requirements:
- Schedules are up to 8 or 12-hour shifts on alternate days with rotating weekends off. However, employees must have the ability to work alternate schedules and overtime that may include early mornings, nights, and/or weekends and be punctual while doing so.
- Some Departments/Jobs may run a M-F 8-hour Shift Schedule.
- Must be willing and able to work overtime.
Finishing Operator Job Summary:
The person who occupies this position is to adjust finishing equipment in order to process a flat carton order and oversee its production (complex glue experience a plus).
Finishing Operator Job Functions:
Job functions include, but are not limited to the following.
- Operator is responsible for adjusting glue machinery to fit particular style of carton being processed.
- Once production begins, operator is responsible for maintaining machinery at optimum speed. When malfunctions occur, operator is to be able to detect cause and make appropriate adjustments as quickly as possible.
- Operator is responsible for members of crew working on gluer machinery. Is fully responsible in ensuring team members are working efficiently and safely. The operator is also responsible to train feeder/catcher trainees as necessary.
- Must assume duties of the feeder or catcher when those persons are on breaks (see job description for Feeder/Catcher). The Operator performs activities of Feeder/Catcher approximately 2 hours per day.
- Responsible for performing maintenance duties on gluer machinery; greasing, oiling, blowing off machinery, glue pot maintenance, bearing and belt replacement and cleaning parts.
- Is to maintain written and electronic (SAP) records of quality and production. Operator goes through hourly statistical measurements (carton alignment, edge caliper, opening force, glue length, etc. . . .).
- Responsible for making labels per customer specs.
- Ability and Positive attitude to teach and help fellow operators to trouble shoot all problems when called upon to do so.
Required Skills
Finishing Operator Background / Experience / Skills:
- Manufacturing experience preferred
- Mechanical/technical aptitude
- Entry Level Computer skills
- All requirements for Finishing Operator in addition to the ability to set up and trouble shoot Leary, Mactron, Alpina and Pafra glue systems.
- Set up and run all Hot Melt units and trouble shoot as needed.
- Set up and run labelaire machines per customer specs.
- Have the ability to setup and run the Alpina, Speed Queen, Domino, Window machine, and Pick and Place on the Domino.
- Feeder/Catcher experience preferred. Mechanical experience is helpful (automotive, small engine repair, etc.)
- Finishing machine, allen wrench, screwdriver and other related tools needed for make ready. SAP and PEAK systems.
Finishing Operator Education / Knowledge:
- High School Diploma or equivalent required.
Finishing Operator Physical Requirements:
- Sitting or standing, depending on changing job assignment, for extended periods.
- Awkward and/or repetitive movements.
- Routine Lifting up to 20 lbs.
- Occasional Lifting up to 50 lbs.
- Standing, walking, lifting (up to 50 lbs.) carrying (up to 50 lbs.), pushing, pulling, reaching, handling, visual acuity (Near and Far).
- Reading computer screen or other electronic devices.
- Use of various hand and electrical tools and equipment.
- Inside conditions, extremes of heat (up to 100 degrees in the summer), humidity, noise (from production machinery; must wear hearing protection in the Finishing area).
- Must be able to speak, read and write English. Working knowledge of finishing machine (gluer). Mechanical aptitude.
Required Experience
At Graphic Packaging International (NYSE: GPK), we produce the box you may have poured your child's cereal from this morning, the microwaveable tray that heated your lunch, the paper cup that held your coffee throughout the day, and the carrier of those bottles of craft beer you may enjoy tonight! We're one of the largest manufacturers of paperboard and paper-based packaging for some of the world's most recognized brands of food, beverage, foodservice, household, personal care and pet care products. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, we are a team of collaborative, innovative, passionate individuals who are committed to providing consumer packaging that makes a world of difference.
With almost 18,000 employees working in more than 70 locations in North and South America, Europe and the Pacific Rim, we strive to be an environmentally responsible leader in our industry and in the communities where we operate. We are committed to workplace diversity and offer compensation and benefits programs that are among the industry's best to reward the talented people who make our company successful.
If this sounds like something you would like to be a part of, we'd love to hear from you. Learn more about us at www.graphicpkg.com.
Inspired Packaging. A World of Difference.
Graphic Packaging is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All candidates will be evaluated on the basis of their qualifications for the job in question. We do not base our employment decision on an employee's or applicant's race, color, religion, age, gender or sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic identity, genetic information, disability, veteran/military status or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. Click here to view the Poster, EEO is the Law.
What Graphic Packaging International employees say
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Benefits
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About Graphic Packaging
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Plastics and rubber products manufacturing
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Atlanta, GA, US
Year founded
1978