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Operator Trainee Jobs in Durham, NC (NOW HIRING)

Westrock

Folder Operator Trainee

Raleigh, NC · On-site

General Information Job ID ATR64956 Posting Job Title Folder Operator Trainee Locations NC Raleigh Employment Type Full Time Date Posted 23-Jul-2026 Relocation Support No Description & Requirements ...

Smurfit Westrock

Folder Operator Trainee

Raleigh, NC · On-site

General Information Job ID ATR64956 Posting Job Title Folder Operator Trainee Locations NC Raleigh Employment Type Full Time Date Posted 23-Jul-2026 Relocation Support No Description & Requirements ...

Acquire

Management Trainee

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Management Trainees will cultivate negotiation skills, client acquisition, and leadership development during paid training period. If you have had experience in retail, hospitality, sales, or other ...

Acquire

Management Trainee

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Management Trainees will cultivate negotiation skills, client acquisition, and leadership development during paid training period. If you have had experience in retail, hospitality, sales, or other ...

tbg

Operations Manager Trainee

Morrisville, NC · On-site

... company, operating as a God-honoring organization dedicated to excellence, growth, and community ... This is a hands-on Management Trainee track designed to teach you operations from the ground up:

tbg

Operations Manager Trainee

Morrisville, NC · On-site

... company, operating as a God-honoring organization dedicated to excellence, growth, and community ... This is a hands-on Management Trainee track designed to teach you operations from the ground up:

tbg

Operations Manager Trainee

Morrisville, NC · On-site

... company, operating as a God-honoring organization dedicated to excellence, growth, and community ... This is a hands-on Management Trainee track designed to teach you operations from the ground up:

Cintas

Management Trainee

Morrisville, NC · On-site

The Management Trainee will work closely with experienced managers to learn about Outside Sales, Production/Warehouse Management, Office Management, Service Management and ultimately prepare you for ...

Cintas

Management Trainee

Morrisville, NC · On-site

The Management Trainee will work closely with experienced managers to learn about Outside Sales, Production/Warehouse Management, Office Management, Service Management and ultimately prepare you for ...

Cintas

Management Trainee

Durham, NC · On-site

The Management Trainee will work closely with experienced managers to learn about Outside Sales, Production/Warehouse Management, Office Management, Service Management and ultimately prepare you for ...

Cintas

Management Trainee

Graham, NC · On-site

The Management Trainee will work closely with experienced managers to learn about Outside Sales, Production/Warehouse Management, Office Management, Service Management and ultimately prepare you for ...

Cintas

Management Trainee

Graham, NC · On-site

The Management Trainee will work closely with experienced managers to learn about Outside Sales, Production/Warehouse Management, Office Management, Service Management and ultimately prepare you for ...

Cintas

Management Trainee

Durham, NC · On-site

The Management Trainee will work closely with experienced managers to learn about Outside Sales, Production/Warehouse Management, Office Management, Service Management and ultimately prepare you for ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsOperator JobsOperator Trainee JobsOperator Trainee Jobs in Durham, NC

Operator Trainee information

See Durham, NC salary details

$24.6K

$42.1K

$61.4K

How much do operator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for operator trainee in Durham, NC is $42,064.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31,900.00 and $49,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an operator trainee?

Operator trainees are entry-level employees who are undergoing training to learn how to operate machinery, equipment, or processes in various industries such as manufacturing, utilities, or transportation. They work under the supervision of experienced operators or trainers, gaining hands-on experience and developing the necessary skills for safe and efficient operation. The training period prepares them for more advanced roles and helps ensure they understand company procedures, safety protocols, and quality standards.

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

To thrive as an Operator Trainee, you need a basic understanding of industrial processes, mechanical aptitude, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with safety protocols, control systems, and machinery operation—sometimes supported by OSHA certifications or technical training—is typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help trainees adapt quickly and handle operational challenges. These skills are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable plant or equipment operations while minimizing downtime and incidents.

What are some common challenges faced by operator trainees during their initial training period?

Operator Trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to shift work, mastering complex machinery, and quickly learning strict safety protocols. The fast-paced environment can be demanding, requiring attention to detail and the ability to follow precise instructions. Additionally, trainees must develop effective communication skills to collaborate with experienced operators and supervisors, ensuring smooth transitions and minimizing errors. Overcoming these challenges is essential for building a strong foundation for future advancement within the organization.

What is the difference between Operator Trainee vs Equipment Operator?

AspectOperator TraineeEquipment Operator
CredentialsBasic certifications, on-the-job trainingValid driver’s license, specialized certifications often required
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, construction sites, manufacturing plantsActive job sites, industrial facilities, construction zones
Employer & Industry UsageTraining programs, entry-level positions in construction, manufacturingOperational roles in construction, mining, manufacturing
Search & Comparison IntentLearning about entry-level roles, training programsSeeking job opportunities, skills required for operating equipment

In summary, an Operator Trainee is an entry-level position focused on training and gaining experience, often requiring minimal certifications. An Equipment Operator is a fully qualified worker responsible for operating machinery in various industrial settings. The trainee role prepares individuals for the more skilled, operational position of Equipment Operator.

What do operator trainees do?

Operator trainees learn to operate and maintain machinery or equipment in industrial, manufacturing, or utility settings. They typically receive on-the-job training, develop technical skills, and may work under supervision to ensure safety and efficiency. Completing training programs or certifications is often required to advance to full operator roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operator jobs in Durham, NC?

The most popular types of Operator jobs in Durham, NC are:

What job categories do people searching Operator Trainee jobs in Durham, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Operator Trainee jobs in Durham, NC are:

What cities near Durham, NC are hiring for Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities near Durham, NC with the most Operator Trainee job openings:

Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operator Trainee job openings in Durham, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,064 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Folder Operator Trainee

Westrock

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

General Information
Job ID
ATR64956
Posting Job Title
Folder Operator Trainee
Locations
NC Raleigh
Employment Type
Full Time
Date Posted
23-Jul-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.
The Opportunity:
  • Set up and maintain insert folding equipment
  • Locates flatstock to make ready for folding inserts and outserts.
  • Performs all required preventative machine maintenance
  • Performs all make readies and minor adjustments to produce inserts.
  • Operates insert folding equipment as needed.
  • Adheres to 6S, SOP's and work instructions.
  • Makes trays and shippers as needed.
  • Performs other job duties as assigned.

What you need to succeed:
  • High school diploma or G.E.D).
  • Two to three years of related experience and/or training preferred.
  • Ability to read and write complex instructions, correspondence and memos.
  • Willing and able to work overtime as needed; significant overtime may be required during busy periods.
  • Must be able to perform all essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation.

What we offer:
  • Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability and excellence
  • Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities
  • An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies and potential

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.

Apply