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Press Operator Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Heavy Press Operator

Royal Oak, MI

$15.50 - $20/hr

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 ...

Press Operator

Gardner, MA · On-site

$23.23 - $32.23/hr

To completely set up and operate a printing press and to train helpers and press operator trainees. Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities: * Workers in this position are responsible for quality ...

Press Operator Trainee

Paducah, KY · 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 ...

Flexo Press Operator Trainee

Nixa, MO · On-site

$19 - $25.25/hr

... Press Operator! This position offers onsite training and the opportunity to learn a valuable ... The Press Trainee will assist in set up and operation of the printing press to producing labels on ...

Automatic Press Operator

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

Complete and be proficient in all requirements for the Automatic Press Operator Trainee position and independently run presses. * Prepare presses and work sites for set up. Follow set up instructions ...

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Press Operator Trainee information

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$12

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$27

How much do press operator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for press operator trainee in the United States is $18.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 is the role of a trainee operator?

A trainee press operator assists in setting up, operating, and maintaining printing or manufacturing presses under supervision. They learn to handle equipment safely, follow production schedules, and develop skills in quality control and troubleshooting. Training often includes understanding safety protocols and gaining familiarity with industry tools and procedures.

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.

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 cities are hiring for Press Operator Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Press Operator Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Press Operator jobs? The most popular types of Press Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Press Operator Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Press Operator Trainee jobs include:
Infographic showing various Press Operator Trainee job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,312 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Heavy Press Operator

Aampower

Royal Oak, MI

$15.50 - $20/hr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


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 AAM:

As a leading global Tier 1 Automotive and Mobility Supplier, AAM designs, engineers and manufactures Driveline and Metal Forming technologies to support electric, hybrid and internal combustion vehicles. Discover how we're Bringing the Future Faster at AAM.com.

AAM 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. AAM 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. AAM is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.