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Press Operator Trainee Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Press Operator Trainee

Paducah, KY ยท On-site

$16.25 - $21/hr

Familiar with operating procedures and paperwork at the B/O saw * Read, understand and implement ... Inform maintenance when equipment needs attention * Follow up press practices base on various ...

$23.57 - $31.04/hr

... and drill press. Operates overhead crane and other lifting devices. motors, pumps, and trucks ... Possession of Wastewater Collection Operator Grade II certification or ability to obtain within 18 ...

Press Operator Trainee information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a press operator trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Press Operator Trainee, you need a basic understanding of mechanical processes, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with printing presses, quality control tools, and safety protocols is typically required, and on-the-job training or certifications in press operation are often provided. Strong problem-solving skills, reliability, and the ability to work well in a team help you excel in this hands-on, fast-paced environment. These skills and qualities are crucial to maintaining production efficiency, ensuring product quality, and supporting a safe workplace.

Do you need experience to be a press operator trainee?

Typically, no prior experience is required to become a press operator trainee, as the role often provides on-the-job training. Basic mechanical skills and attention to safety are helpful, and some employers may prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent.

Is press operator a stressful job?

Press operator trainees often work in fast-paced manufacturing environments where attention to detail and safety are critical. The job can be stressful due to tight deadlines, machinery operation, and the need for precision, but proper training and safety protocols help manage these pressures.

What does a press operator trainee do?

A Press Operator Trainee learns to operate and maintain printing presses or similar machinery under the supervision of experienced operators. Their duties often include setting up the press, loading materials, monitoring production runs, inspecting finished products for quality, and performing basic troubleshooting and maintenance. The trainee position is designed to provide hands-on training and develop the skills necessary to become a fully qualified press operator.

What is the difference between Press Operator Trainee vs Press Operator?

AspectPress Operator TraineePress Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; specialized training or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, learning processFull responsibility for operating printing presses, independent work
Employer UsageEntry-level position, training role in printing industrySkilled role, responsible for press operation and quality control

The Press Operator Trainee is an entry-level position focused on learning and gaining experience under supervision, while the Press Operator is a fully responsible role requiring skills and experience to operate printing presses independently.

How much do press operator trainees make in the US?

Press operator trainees in the US typically earn between $12 and $18 per hour, with an average annual salary around $25,000 to $35,000. Wages can vary based on experience, location, and the industry, and trainees often receive on-the-job training to develop skills with printing presses and related equipment.

What are some common challenges faced by a press operator trainee, and how can they be addressed?

As a Press Operator Trainee, you may encounter challenges such as learning to operate complex machinery, maintaining high quality standards, and troubleshooting minor technical issues. Adjusting to the fast-paced environment and understanding safety protocols are also important hurdles. Overcoming these challenges typically involves thorough on-the-job training, asking questions when unsure, and closely following established procedures. Building good communication with experienced operators and supervisors can also greatly help in developing your skills and confidence.
What are the most commonly searched types of Press Operator jobs in Kentucky? The most popular types of Press Operator jobs in Kentucky are:
Infographic showing various Press Operator Trainee job openings in Kentucky as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Press Operator Trainee

UACJ Automotive Whitehall

Paducah, KY โ€ข On-site

$16.25 - $21/hr

Other

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Qualifications:
  • Education and Experience: Must have a sound understanding of extrusion process
  • Knowledge: Able to read and interpret extrusion drawings. Knowledge of precision measuring devices and their applications
  • Skills & Abilities: Good mechanical and technical aptitude. Understanding and ability in the use of a computer. Able to work under minimum supervision

Essential Duties and Responsibilities of the Job:
  1. Read production schedules and record accurate information
  2. Inspect extrusions for compliance with specifications, communicate potential problems and determine acceptability.
  3. Strive to maximize production targets and maintain a quality product while minimizing production scrap and cost. Use discretionary judgment to quickly correct production deviations
  4. Operate all equipment which is part of extrusion
  5. Familiar with operating procedures and paperwork at the B/O saw
  6. Read, understand and implement instructions on routing tickets/HMI
  7. Use Cadex system to improve dies performance
  8. Assist with training of employees as required
  9. Follow procedures set by the recipes
  10. Inform maintenance when equipment needs attention
  11. Follow up press practices base on various alloys
  12. Communicate well with quality department
  13. Other duties as required

Training Requirements: New Employee Orientation Program
Level of Authority: None
Physical Demands: Requires standing for long periods of time and some walking (up to 7 hours). Requires using hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls. Requires frequent repetitive movement, bending or twisting, and lifting up to 10 lbs frequently, and occasionally up to 50 lbs. Requires exposure to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable and wearing common protective or safety equipment.
Qualifications:
  • Education and Experience: Must have a sound understanding of extrusion process
  • Knowledge: Able to read and interpret extrusion drawings. Knowledge of precision measuring devices and their applications
  • Skills & Abilities: Good mechanical and technical aptitude. Understanding and ability in the use of a computer. Able to work under minimum supervision

Essential Duties and Responsibilities of the Job:
  1. Read production schedules and record accurate information
  2. Inspect extrusions for compliance with specifications, communicate potential problems and determine acceptability.
  3. Strive to maximize production targets and maintain a quality product while minimizing production scrap and cost. Use discretionary judgment to quickly correct production deviations
  4. Operate all equipment which is part of extrusion
  5. Familiar with operating procedures and paperwork at the B/O saw
  6. Read, understand and implement instructions on routing tickets/HMI
  7. Use Cadex system to improve dies performance
  8. Assist with training of employees as required
  9. Follow procedures set by the recipes
  10. Inform maintenance when equipment needs attention
  11. Follow up press practices base on various alloys
  12. Communicate well with quality department
  13. Other duties as required

Training Requirements: New Employee Orientation Program
Level of Authority: None
Physical Demands: Requires standing for long periods of time and some walking (up to 7 hours). Requires using hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls. Requires frequent repetitive movement, bending or twisting, and lifting up to 10 lbs frequently, and occasionally up to 50 lbs. Requires exposure to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable and wearing common protective or safety equipment.