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Press Operator Trainee Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Press Operator Trainee information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$19

$28

How much do press operator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for press operator trainee in Chicago, IL is $19.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $21.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Press Operator jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Press Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Press Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Press Operator Trainee job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,497 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Employment coach

JANE ADDAMS RESOURCE CORPORATION

Chicago, IL • On-site

$25.27/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

The Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC) promotes strong communities, businesses and households to ensure that people who work do not live in poverty.

JARC helps low-income workers, job seekers and community residents attain financial self-sufficiency through skills training and support services. JARC's job training programs target strategic skills gaps in manufacturing, such as Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinist, Press Brake Operator and Welder. As a Center for Working Families (CWF) and Financial Opportunity Center (FOC), JARC provides bundled financial support services, such as income supports, financial coaching and employment services.

This position will be based out of JARC's Ravenswood location in Chicago, Illinois. Limited time may also be required at other JARC locations during morning and evening hours to accommodate all programs.

Essential Functions:

  • Teach workplace readiness and digital literacy skills to CMP trainees in weekly workshops o Develop work readiness and digital literacy curriculum and assessment tools o Evaluate and track trainees' progress and skills gains in employment readiness and digital literacy
  • Provide one-on-one job coaching, including resume and cover letter preparation and assists with job applications and connecting clients to job opportunities.
  • Hold regular office hours for students including morning and evening hours to accommodate all programs
  • Coach trainees on expected workplace practices in manufacturing and the soft skills required by employers.
  • Offer insight, support, encouragement, and resources to help trainees realize their inherent strengths as tools to take action to improve their situation and surmount barriers towards achieving self-sufficiency.
  • Support continuous program improvement by working closely with the training and employment services team, and trainees to identify and implement best practices to ensure quality services.
  • Collaborate with training and supportive services team to address participant needs associated with job search and retention and ensures placement and retention goals are met. Refers participants to resources, training, educational programs and/or related supportive services as needed.
  • Promote an understanding of working within the Manufacturing Sector through regular field trips, guest speakers, and alumni panels.
  • Recruit, interview, train and manage employment services volunteers to perform mock interviews with trainees.
  • Collects, documents and tracks data on program outputs and outcomes in Salesforce, Excel, Insightly, Career Connect, and other databases as needed.
  • Provides post-placement tracking and support to JARC trainees by tracking job retention and career advancement.
  • Assist program in highlighting program success through client success stories, grant reporting, and others means as needed.

Team Functions

  • Maintain strong communication between program teams: technical instructors, program coordinators, supportive staff, and job developers
  • Assist in preparation of program updates and program reporting
  • Market JARC programs through contacts with other agencies, advertisements, informational events, and assisting in trainee recruitment
  • Contributes to agency's continuous quality improvement efforts
  • Participate in Employment Services Team, enrollment check-ins, and other meetings as needed
  • Collaborate with all JARC departments including Business and Workforce Services, Financial Opportunities Center, and the Adult Learners Program
  • Contribute to JARC's warm and welcoming environment

Qualifications: 

  • A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree and two years of related experience OR  five years related experience
  • Solid working knowledge of Microsoft Office and database applications
  • Excellent interpersonal, organizational, verbal and written communication skills; teaching skills is a plus
  • Proven ability to give constructive feedback and coaching to individual clients
  • Bilingual a plus
  • Manufacturing knowledge or experience a plus

Terms/Conditions: 

  • Fulltime: 35 hours per week
  • FLSA: Non-Exempt
  • Evening hours required
  • Union (UAW-NOLSW 2320)
  • Must provide proof of legal identity and U.S. employment eligibility
  • Criminal Background Checks and other pre-employment eligibility required

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