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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 21-24

Machine Operator Trainee information

See Racine, WI salary details

$11

$17

$22

How much do machine operator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 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.

SR Associate - Learning & Org

Smurfit Westrock

Pleasant Prairie, WI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Smurfit Westrock rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 278 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

59th of 120 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

General Information
Job ID
ATR64436
Posting Job Title
Technical Trainer
Locations
WI Pleasant Prairie
Employment Type
Full Time
Date Posted
19-Aug-2026
Relocation Support
No
Description & Requirements
Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.
Title: Technical Trainer
Job Summary: The Technical Trainer assists with training processes locally. The role reports into the site General Manager/ Plant Manager and dotted lines into Operations Learning & Development, to ensure training is completed for Operator/ Craft Job Certification.
The role will be a key contact/ trainer for team members and be responsible for teammate assessments regarding machine skills - providing feedback, machine certification responsibility, and conducting assessments related to line of progression movements.
Major Job Responsibilities:
• Completes daily technical training on the floor to assist with the Certification of team members in their roles
• Partners with OPS L&D leader to support New Hire Orientation/ On Boarding Training, as needed
• Assists with tracking, evaluating, and measuring training locally using the company's Dept. Training Standards & Learning System tools • Supports site specific technical learning solution creation (SOP's, Guided Workflows, Technical Learning Aids - to assist with training)
• Develops, builds, and maintains relationships with trainees & leaders in their role
• Participates in new teammate hiring process - assesses candidates' skills (general and/ or machine, involved in interview process to assess industrial experience, and provides perspective on hiring decisions)
• Conducts training on all shifts
• Influences others to be safety-minded
• Team member will be certified through a Train the Trainer process, support managing day to day Certification Processes & will be supported by Ops L&D with training tools & general knowledge content
• Additional duties as assigned
How you will impact WestRock:
• Improve local team performance through increasing skills and time to certification processes
• Cost eliminator driving training efficiencies across roles, saving us unnecessary risk, and reducing the time allotted for training - a continuous improvement mindset What you need to succeed: Critical Skills/ Capabilities:
• Growth and Results Oriented: Results oriented person that looks for constant ways to improve
• Innovation: Able to support implementation of new processes and new learning technologies to drive training into the flow of work
• Interpersonal Skills: Possess keen awareness and understanding of the importance of strong interpersonal skills in communicating, achieving OKR's and leading people or teams (self-awareness)
• Accountability: Holds self and others responsible for actions and results
• Influence: Able to partner and build relationships to influence teams to work together, share best practices and develop and drive effective training for operations teams
• Decision Making: Uses strong problem-solving skills and supporting information to arrive at optimal decisions in an appropriated timeframe; knows when to decide and/ or when to seek additional input, and drive for consensus
• Communication: Willingness to work on the floor, with all shifts, in a heavy manufacturing world, to ensure we can document and teach critical work processes
• Quality: Actively work to ensure quality is ensured while minimizing waste
Technical Skills:
• 1 - 3 years' experience conducting/ leading training, including On-The-Job training, or similar, in a manufacturing environment preferred • 2 - 4 years' experience in a manufacturing environment preferred
• Knowledge of Learning Management Systems preferred
• Microsoft Office Experience Preferred- Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Forms Others Qualification:
• Facilitation/ Presentation Skills • Influencing • Partnering • Problem Solving/ Continuous Improvement • Professionalism
What we offer: • Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence • Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities • An attractive wage, reflecting skills, competencies, and potential • A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of our daily work WestRock Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating and maintaining a diverse workforce: Minorities/Females/ Disabled/Veterans.
Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.

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