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Press Operator Trainee Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

CNC Machine Operator Trainee

Eau Claire, WI · On-site

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Machine Operation Trainee, starting pay $20.00 per hour Classes will start October Our CNC Machine Operator Trainees will learn and develop machining skills to operate Lasers, Press Brakes, Saws and ...

CNC Machine Operator Trainee

Eau Claire, WI

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Machine Operation Trainee, starting pay $20.00 per hour Classes will start October Our CNC Machine Operator Trainees will learn and develop machining skills to operate Lasers, Press Brakes, Saws and ...

CNC Machine Operator Trainee

Eau Claire, WI

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Machine Operation Trainee, starting pay $20.00 per hour Classes will start October Our CNC Machine Operator Trainees will learn and develop machining skills to operate Lasers, Press Brakes, Saws and ...

Machine Operator Trainee

Franklin, WI · On-site

$23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Open positions include Sheetfed Press Operators, Sheeter Operators, Folder/Gluer Operators, and Die Cutting Operators . In these roles, operators will be responsible for setting up and running ...

Machine Operator Trainee

Franklin, WI

$23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Open positions include Sheetfed Press Operators, Sheeter Operators, Folder/Gluer Operators, and Die Cutting Operators . In these roles, operators will be responsible for setting up and running ...

TOP Trainee

Milton, WI · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Work with the Press Operator to set up the press to run jobs using job instructions prepared specifically for each project * Learn how to monitor the press while it's running and make adjustments to ...

Production Supervisor Plant 6

Shawano, WI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Operator Trainees to deliver top-tier product quality, ensure on-time shipments, and maximize ... You'll oversee our plate making, pre-press, and press areas, ensuring everything runs smoothly and ...

Production Supervisor Plant 6

Shawano, WI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Operator Trainees to deliver top-tier product quality, ensure on-time shipments, and maximize ... You'll oversee our plate making, pre-press, and press areas, ensuring everything runs smoothly and ...

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 Wisconsin?

The most popular types of Press Operator jobs in Wisconsin are:

Infographic showing various Press Operator Trainee job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 49% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

WEB PRESS TRAINEE 1

WOODWARD COMMUNICATIONS INC

Platteville, WI • On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

An opportunity to join our web press team is a rare occurrence at Woodward Printing Services. If you are seeking a good job, stability, great benefits and the potential to advance, dont wait. Apply today!
Web Printing Pressroom Trainees are key to a productive printing process. This job performs all work pertaining to the job tickets for both inter-division and commercial accounts. Trainees set ink fountains during all runs and bend and mount plates to ensure the quality of the product.
This is a full-time, first-shift position. Workdays are normally Monday through Friday with occasional Saturday hours in order to meet customer deadlines.
Overall Responsibilities:
  • Assist web press operators and learn operation of web press and ancillary web press equipment, including plate making.
  • Assist with web press maintenance.

Specific Responsibilities:
  • Suggests and initiates, as approved, new methods to enhance efficient operation of the newspaper overall.
  • Maintains a "customer-comes-first" environment with pro-active commitment to internal and external customer service.
  • Actively participates in all safety training sessions, applies safe practices to job tasks, and reports all safety - related concerns and incidents to management as quickly as possible.
  • Actively participates in the Great Game of Business.
  • All other job duties as assigned by management.

Woodward Printing Services is a state-of-the-art printing facility located in Platteville, Wisconsin. We offer a great benefits package that includes insurance, 401(k), employee stock ownership, paid time off, healthy activity reimbursement, a wellness program, the opportunity for career advancement and much more.
Behavior: Responsive to the needs of all internal and commercial customers by working as a team to meet deadlines and quality objectives. Completes tasks in a safe, consistent and dependable manner. Acts in a manner consistent with the values of WCI as expressed through the vision, mission, core values and ESOP culture.
Skills: Good communication; organization; basic math, reading and writing; high level of mechanical and electrical skills. Lift, twist, bend and stand for extended periods of time. Ability to lift 50 lbs.; climb stairs and complete physical tasks; operate forklift, clamp truck and distinguish colors, grey scale and print quality.
Knowledge: High school diploma or equivalent. Basic mechanical knowledge.