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Machine Operator Trainee Jobs in Racine, WI (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Cook II will lead food service employees and food service trainees as part of this leadership role ... Record food, storage, thermometer calibration, cooling, re-heating, dish washing machine ...

Cook

Milwaukee, WI

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Cook II will lead food service employees and food service trainees as part of this leadership role ... Record food, storage, thermometer calibration, cooling, re-heating, dish washing machine ...

Showing results 21-26

Machine Operator Trainee information

See Racine, WI salary details

$11

$17

$22

How much do machine operator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine operator trainee in Racine, WI is $17.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Racine, WI?

The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs in Racine, WI are:

What cities near Racine, WI are hiring for Machine Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities near Racine, WI with the most Machine Operator Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Machine Operator Trainee job openings in Racine, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,469 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Mechanic Training Program - Production Operator

Kenosha, WI

Silgan Containers
Plastics Packaging Film and Sheet (including Laminated) Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

$25.70/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Silgan Holdings rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Mechanic Trainee / Operator - Grow Your Career With Us Looking to build a long-term career, not just find another job? We're proud to offer a culture of advancement and growth-we promote from within. Start as an Operator and gain hands-on experience while developing your mechanical skills. If you demonstrate strong performance and mechanical aptitude, you may have the opportunity to advance into a Mechanic role in as little as six months. This is an excellent opportunity for someone eager to learn, grow, and build a career in a supportive, team-oriented environment. If you're reliable, motivated, and ready to take the next step, we want to hear from you. Starting pay of $25.70 per hour plus $0.50 shift differential for 2nd shift, $1.00 for 3rd2nd Shift- 3PM - 11:30PM M- F 3rd Shift- 11PM - 7:30AM, starts Sunday evening at 11:30 PM and last shift ends Friday morning at 7:30 AM Continuous Shift - 6PM to 6AM, 4 days on and 4 days off Grow your skills with cross-training In this role, you'll receive hands-on training across multiple production functions, including machine operation, lift truck operation, and quality inspection. This cross-training provides valuable experience, increases your versatility, supports the needs of the business , and creates opportunities for career growth within our manufacturing team. What we offer you: Starting pay of $25.70 per hour$0.50 shift differential for 2nd shift, $1.00 for 3rdOvertime availableComprehensive benefits package, including medical and prescription, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, short and long-term disability coverage, prorated vacation and 10 paid holidays, 401k with a 3 percent match, HSA available after your first full monthQuarterly bonus potential based on safety, waste, quality, and productivity performanceAdd-on benefits include pet insurance, MSK programs (Hinge Health and Regenexx) telemedicine, Livongo for diabetes and hypertension, and moreCulture of advancement and growth - 40 percent of plant management were promoted from withinWe invest in you with on-the-job training, classes, and tuition reimbursement as neededAn opportunity to work in our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility with a multi-cultural and diverse teamWe care about your safety, which means we do what is needed to protect our employees and that's reflected in our "Drive to Zero Injuries" initiative results.Kenosha is Silgan's first facility to achieve zero waste to landfill in 2020. What you'll do: Maintenance of lift truck and yard truck, including daily OSHA inspections and documentation of such. Understand and follow safe charging and refueling of lift trucks and yard trucks. Use and follow proper lift truck aisles. Assist with cycle counts and inventory. Maintain a clean and neat warehouse. Run the Palletizer Perform quality product checks Other duties as assigned by management. We need you to have: Ability to earn and maintain Lift Truck Operators license. Electric lift trucks will be used for moving product in warehouse and to load/unload shipments. Must operate all equipment making safety and quality a priority. Ability to follow verbal and written directions. Must be able to read and understand Shipping Orders, Bills of Lading, Packing Slips, Invoices, etc. Who we are: America's largest metal food packaging producer.A company that strives toward sustainability by reducing our carbon footprint, selecting like-minded suppliers, and providing recyclable products.LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.Silgan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or the presence of a disability, which would not prevent the performance of essential job duties with, or without reasonable accommodation of any other protective status.Silgan is a drug-free workplace. LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.Silgan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or the presence of a disability, which would not prevent the performance of essential job duties with, or without reasonable accommodation of any other protective status.Silgan is a drug-free workplace.

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