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Operator Trainee Jobs in Pontiac, MI (NOW HIRING)

Hydromax USA

Technician Trainee - Water

Novi, MI · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Technician Trainee - Water Location: Novi, MI Compensation: $20-$23 per hour depending on ... Perform repairs on fire hydrants and water main valve operating nuts. * Maintain open and effective ...

GABLETEK

Skilled Trades Trainee

Troy, MI · On-site

Skilled Trades Trainee Gabletek is seeking motivated Skilled Trades Trainees interested in building a long-term career in industrial automation and skilled trades. This is an excellent opportunity ...

GABLETEK

Skilled Trades Trainee

Troy, MI · On-site

Skilled Trades Trainee Gabletek is seeking motivated Skilled Trades Trainees interested in building a long-term career in industrial automation and skilled trades. This is an excellent opportunity ...

Cintas

Management Trainee

Romulus, MI · 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 ...

New

Cintas

Management Trainee

Troy, MI · 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 ...

New

Cintas

Management Trainee

Romulus, MI · 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

Westland, MI · 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

Westland, MI · 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

Madison Heights, MI · 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

Madison Heights, MI · 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 ...

Lend-A-Loan LLC

Mortgage Sales Trainee

Troy, MI

$18/hr

Loan Officer Trainee Program Are you ambitious, driven, and looking for a career with unlimited ... As an owner-operated business, we strive to ensure your success! We will provide you with the tools ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsOperator JobsOperator Trainee JobsOperator Trainee Jobs in Pontiac, MI

Operator Trainee information

See Pontiac, MI salary details

$25.3K

$43.2K

$63.1K

How much do operator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for operator trainee in Pontiac, MI is $43,232.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,800.00 and $50,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Operator jobs in Pontiac, MI? The most popular types of Operator jobs in Pontiac, MI are:
What job categories do people searching Operator Trainee jobs in Pontiac, MI look for? The top searched job categories for Operator Trainee jobs in Pontiac, MI are:
What cities near Pontiac, MI are hiring for Operator Trainee jobs? Cities near Pontiac, MI with the most Operator Trainee job openings:
Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operator Trainee job openings in Pontiac, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,232 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Heavy Press Operator

American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.

Royal Oak, MI • On-site

$15.50 - $20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

American Axle & Manufacturing rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

465th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Job Posting Title
Heavy Press Operator
Job Description Summary
Dauch's Royal Oak Manufacturing Facility is seeking candidates for our Heavy Press Operator training program. This 33-month program offers comprehensive training, combining hands-on experience working with our highly-skilled heavy press operators and foundational manufacturing coursework at Macomb Community College. Candidates will take classes while working full-time on the manufacturing floor. Tuition and class time are fully covered.
Upon successful completion of the program, participants will be placed as a fully-titled Heavy Press Operator at our Royal Oak manufacturing facility.
While not required, prior experience in forging, metal forming processes, machine repair/maintenance, or cold heading is preferred. Candidates must be able to manage a fast paced schedule that includes full-time plant floor work and classes at Macomb Community College.
Job Description:
As a Heavy Press Operator trainee, you'll gain hands-on experience in various aspects of heavy press operation. Your responsibilities will include:
  • Performing quality inspections of manufactured parts.
  • Changing and adjusting tools within the machine for quality improvements or production changeovers.
  • Using hand tools and pneumatic tools for machine operation and maintenance tasks.
  • Completing machine maintenance to reduce downtime and ensure manufacturing efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Reading and interpreting blueprints to understand part specifications and adjusting machine setup as necessary.
  • Occasionally operating an overhead crane for heavy tooling changeover.
  • Completing additional tasks as required to support manufacturing operations

Required Skills and Education
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Previous experience working in a manufacturing environment, ideally as a press operator.
  • Availability to work rotating first and second shift.

About Dauch:
Dauch Corporation is a premier Driveline and Metal Forming supplier serving the global automotive industry with a powertrain-agnostic product portfolio that supports electric, hybrid, and internal combustion vehicles. The company is headquartered in Detroit, MI, with operations that span 24 countries and more than 175 locations. Formed through the acquisition of Dowlais Group plc and its subsidiaries - GKN Automotive and GKN Powder Metallurgy, Dauch unites deep engineering roots with global manufacturing capabilities and an entrepreneurial spirit to move mobility forward. Visit www.dauch.com to learn more.
Dauch will not discriminate against any Associate or applicant for employment because of age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. Dauch will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that Associates are treated equally during employment, without regard to their age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. For the Disabled Job Seeker: We offer reasonable accommodations for qualified disabled individuals who are applicants for employment. To request assistance or accommodations, please e-mail TalentAcquisition@aam.com. Dauch is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

What American Axle & Manufacturing employees say

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About American Axle & Manufacturing

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM), based in Detroit, MI, US, is a globally recognized leader in the automotive industry. Established in 1994, the company has built a strong reputation as a premier manufacturer of driveline and drivetrain systems, and related components for light trucks, SUVs, passenger cars, crossover vehicles, and commercial vehicles. With the mission of “Powering the Future of Mobility”, AAM is dedicated to delivering top-tier power transfer solutions that are efficient, safe, and sustainable. Over the decades, AAM's determination to excel has led to the development of groundbreaking innovations, earning accolades for its advanced PowerDense™ and EcoTrac® solutions.

Industry

Motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1917

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