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Machine Shop Apprentice Jobs in North Carolina (NOW HIRING)

Maintenance Mechanic

Oxford, NC · On-site

$52 - $68/hr

Maintains a variety of shop equipment such as CNC mills, machining centers, lathes, surface ... Completion of all or a portion of a maintenance apprenticeship would be beneficial. Desired ...

Operator Apprentice

Conover, NC · On-site

$16.25 - $21/hr

Meet production goals while maximizing machine efficiencies and maintaining quality standards ... Complete production reporting, notes, and other documentation within Shop Floor computer systems ...

Operator Apprentice

Conover, NC · On-site

$16.25 - $21/hr

Meet production goals while maximizing machine efficiencies and maintaining quality standards ... Complete production reporting, notes, and other documentation within Shop Floor computer systems ...

Machine Operator

Kinston, NC · On-site

$13.25 - $15.75/hr

On the shop floor you'll be surrounded by individuals who are passionate about aviation and skilled ... apprenticeship or equivalent training and experience. The Company will provide appropriate ...

Machine Operator

Kinston, NC

$15.75 - $19/hr

On the shop floor you'll be surrounded by individuals who are passionate about aviation and skilled ... apprenticeship or equivalent training and experience. The Company will provide appropriate ...

Machine Operator

Kinston, NC · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

On the shop floor you'll be surrounded by individuals who are passionate about aviation and skilled ... apprenticeship or equivalent training and experience. The Company will provide appropriate ...

Machine Operator

Kinston, NC

$13.25 - $15.75/hr

On the shop floor you'll be surrounded by individuals who are passionate about aviation and skilled ... Typically requires completion of a formal apprenticeship or equivalent training and experience. The ...

Machine Operator

Kinston, NC

$15.75 - $19/hr

On the shop floor you'll be surrounded by individuals who are passionate about aviation and skilled ... Typically requires completion of a formal apprenticeship or equivalent training and experience. The ...

Showing results 21-40

Machine Shop Apprentice information

See North Carolina salary details

$12

$18

$26

How much do machine shop apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine shop apprentice in North Carolina is $18.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $19.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a machine shop apprentice do?

A Machine Shop Apprentice learns the basics of operating machinery and tools in a manufacturing or machining environment. They work under the supervision of experienced machinists to gain hands-on experience in tasks such as measuring, cutting, shaping, and assembling metal parts. Apprentices are also trained in safety procedures, blueprint reading, and the use of various machines like lathes, mills, and grinders. Over time, they develop the technical skills needed to become a fully qualified machinist.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a machine shop apprentice, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Machine Shop Apprentice, you need a strong understanding of basic machining principles, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manual and CNC machines, measurement tools like calipers and micrometers, and safety certifications such as OSHA are typically required. Attention to detail, willingness to learn, and good communication skills help apprentices excel in collaborative and precision-focused environments. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safety, product quality, and effective learning and contribution in a machine shop setting.

What are some common challenges faced by a machine shop apprentice during their first year?

As a Machine Shop Apprentice, one of the main challenges you may encounter in your first year is adapting to the precision and attention to detail required when operating machinery and reading technical blueprints. You'll also need to quickly learn safety protocols and proper tool handling to prevent accidents. Working as part of a skilled team, you'll be expected to communicate effectively and ask questions when unsure, which is vital for both learning and maintaining workflow efficiency. Overcoming the initial learning curve with new equipment and terminology is common, but mentorship from experienced machinists can help you progress steadily.

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

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

What cities in North Carolina are hiring for Machine Shop Apprentice jobs?

Cities in North Carolina with the most Machine Shop Apprentice job openings:

Infographic showing various Machine Shop Apprentice job openings in North Carolina as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 7% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,125 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Machinist III - 1st Shift

Thermo Fisher Scientific

High Point, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Thermo Fisher Scientific rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 429 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

169th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

Work Schedule
First Shift (Days)
Environmental Conditions
Adherence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safety Standards, Cleanroom: no hair products, jewelry, makeup, nail polish, perfume, exposed piercings, facial hair etc... allowed, Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.)
Job Description
1st Shift - Monday to Friday 7:00AM to 4:00PM
As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you'll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life every single day to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We provide our global teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while helping to take science a step beyond by developing solutions for some of the world's toughest challenges, like protecting the environment, making sure our food is safe or helping find cures for cancer.
DESCRIPTION:
Using available CNC mills, manual mills, and lathes, the Machinist II will machine parts based on designs from blueprints, sketches, drawings, manuals specifications, sample parts, or by receiving verbal instruction to determine dimensions and tolerances of finished work, sequence of operation and setup requirements. Performs work activities based on work orders.
REQUIREMENTS:
Education
• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent,
Experience
  • 2 years of experience in machine shop experience or CAD or CNC or related field with manufacturing is required
  • Preferred experience apprenticeship program, or certification from technical school, and 2 years of experience

Responsibilities:
• Machines dies using the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) 4-axis mills. This includes properly setting up the part or material in the fixtures and running the correct program
• Designs and writes CNC programs to fabricate production equipment.
• Prepares tooling shipments for delivery to production and other foreign facilities.
• Prepares blanks to produce dies, wedges and distributor plates.
• Maintains adequate supply of blanks for dies, wedges and distributor plates.
• Machines new dies, wedges and distributor plates.
• Repair dies, wedges, and distributor plates as needed.
• Inspect all re-coated wedges for coating quality
• Maintains inventory of consumables and other supplies, such as end mills, drills, inserts, die cases, wedge cases, machines oils, coolants, etc
• Maintains and services all machine tools and equipment in the tooling shop
• Maintains logs and data regarding all tooling activities performed
• Maintains shop cleanliness
• May perform other reasonable, related business duties
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical drawings, schematics, and work instructions
• Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills
• Experience with assembly tools, test equipment, and calibration processes
• Knowledge of GMP, ISO standards, and quality control procedures
• Ability to operate precision measurement tools and testing equipment
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office suite and manufacturing software systems
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality standards
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
• Effective written and verbal communication abilities
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Physical requirements include standing, bending, lifting up to 35 lbs, and manual dexterity
• Ability to adapt schedule as needed to support production demands

What Thermo Fisher Scientific employees say

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Benefits

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