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Trainee Graduate Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

McLane Company

Driver, Trainee Hourly

Hebron, KY · On-site

$28.25/hr

Are you a Recent CDL-A Graduate looking to gain Route and Delivery Driver experience? Take your ... As a CDL-A Driver Trainee, you will learn the essential functions of the Driver job including the ...

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Trainee Graduate information

See Kentucky salary details

$22.1K

$37.8K

$55.2K

How much do trainee graduate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee graduate in Kentucky is $37,807.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28,700.00 and $44,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Trainee Graduate vs Junior Engineer?

AspectTrainee GraduateJunior Engineer
QualificationsTypically recent graduates or students in training programsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field, with some practical experience
Work EnvironmentTraining-focused, supervised tasks, learning phaseMore independent work, project involvement, applying skills
Employer UsageCommon in entry-level training programs across industriesEntry-level engineering roles in companies and firms

The main difference is that a Trainee Graduate is usually in a training or internship phase, focusing on learning and development, while a Junior Engineer has completed training and is actively working on engineering tasks with more responsibility.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trainee graduate?

To thrive as a Trainee Graduate, you generally need a relevant academic degree, a willingness to learn, and strong problem-solving abilities. Familiarity with standard office software, industry-specific tools, or completion of relevant internships is often valuable. Effective communication, adaptability, and a proactive attitude set outstanding trainees apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for quickly learning on the job, contributing to team goals, and building a successful long-term career.

What can I expect from the training and mentorship provided in a trainee graduate role?

As a Trainee Graduate, you can typically expect a structured onboarding program designed to help you transition from academic study to the workplace. Most organizations pair trainees with experienced mentors who provide guidance, feedback, and support as you learn the ropes. You'll likely rotate through different departments or projects to gain broad exposure, with regular check-ins to assess your progress. This supportive environment encourages skill development and helps you build a professional network, setting the stage for future career growth within the company.

What is a trainee graduate?

Trainee Graduates are recent university graduates who are employed in structured training programs within an organization. These roles are designed to provide practical work experience, mentorship, and professional development in a particular field or industry. The aim is to help graduates transition from academic life to the workforce by building relevant skills, gaining industry knowledge, and preparing for permanent positions within the company. Trainee Graduate programs often include rotations through different departments, ongoing training, and performance evaluations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate jobs in Kentucky? The most popular types of Graduate jobs in Kentucky are:
What are popular job titles related to Trainee Graduate jobs in Kentucky? For Trainee Graduate jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Trainee Graduate jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Trainee Graduate jobs in Kentucky are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Trainee Graduate jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Trainee Graduate job openings:
Trainee Graduate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee Graduate job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,807 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Driver, Trainee Hourly

McLane Company

Hebron, KY • On-site

$28.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

McLane rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 180 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 49 rated food wholesalers

Job description

Are you a Recent CDL-A Graduate looking to gain Route and Delivery Driver experience?

Take your career further with McLane!  

Our drivers work hard to move, supply, and provide for America's favorite brands. Being reliable and dedicated to safety has defined our success as an industry leader for 130 years. Join McLane and discover the driving difference-we provide you with industry-leading pay, strong and secure client relationships, and get you home safely and more often. That's why our drivers build long-lasting careers with us.   

As a CDL-A Driver Trainee, you will learn the essential functions of the Driver job including the accurate and timely distribution of products to various customer locations. The CDL-A Driver Trainee gains exposure to warehouse and other operational functions as part of the developmental process of becoming a McLane Driver.   

***YOU MUST HAVE A VALID CDL-A LICENSE FOR THIS POSITION***

Benefits you can count on:

  • Pay Rate while in training: $28.25 per hour.

  • Pay Rate: Drivers make up to $75,000 to $85,000 after training.

  • Day 1 Benefits: medical, dental, and vision insurance, FSA/HSA and company-paid life insurance.
  • Paid holidays, earn vacation time, and sick leave accrual from day one.
  • 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan after 90 days.
  • Additional benefits: pet insurance, maternity/paternity leave, employee assistance programs, discount programs, tuition reimbursement program, and more!

What you'll do as a Driver Trainee:  

  • Maneuver tractor into position to attach trailer and handle lines to secure.
  • Operates truck in a safe manner in compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations and company policies.
  • Inspect tractor-trailer equipment for defects pre/post trip and submit DOT inspection report indicating condition.
  • Operates Driver Delivery Handheld (DDH), document delivery receipts/product temperatures and exceptions. Inspects trailer to ensure product is secure for undamaged transport of product.
  • Rides and trains with Driver Trainer of tractor-trailer to various destinations, gaining knowledge of commercial driving regulations and observing the Driver's skill in starting engine properly, approaching intersections, making turns, backing, parking, and maneuvering vehicle on the road and on customer premises.
  • Maintain driver log (Manual or PeopleNet) according to DOT regulations, documenting delivery receipt, product temperatures and exceptions.
  • Assists the Driver in unloading trailer and delivering product into customer premises.
  • Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications you'll bring as a Driver Trainee Teammate:  

  • Must have valid CDL-A license.
  • High School Diploma or GED preferred.

  • Be at least 21 years of age.

  • Ability and willingness to select/load/unload and/or deliver ALL products that may be ordered by McLane customers.
  • Stand, walk, sit, climb, reach, bend, squat, and stoop to accomplish the essential job functions.
  • Read and comprehend labels, instructions, and bills of lading.
  • Perform mathematical calculations to verify quantities of product.
  • Communicate with customers, management, and other teammates.
  • Safely drive a tractor-trailer, use a 2-wheeled dolly, ramp, and on board PeopleNet devices. 
  • This position requires the ability to read, write, and understand English at a level sufficient to perform job-related tasks effectively and safely. This includes understanding work instructions, safety protocols, and communications essential to the role. The requirement is directly related to the nature of the job and ensures compliance with workplace safety and operational standards.
     

Fit the following? We want you here!  

  • Safety-focused  
  • Reliable  
  • Adaptable
  • Dedicated  

Moving America forward - together.       

We've been forging our path as a leader in the distribution industry since 1894. Building an expansive nationwide network of team members for 130 years has allowed us to stay agile for our clients across the restaurant, retail, and e-commerce industries. We look to the future and are ready to continue making industry-defining moves by embracing the newest technology into our practices, continuing team member training, and emphasizing our people-centered culture.  

Candidates may be subject to a background check and drug screen, in accordance with applicable laws.  

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. 

For our complete EEO and Pay Transparency statement, please visit https://www.mclaneco.com/legal/employment/

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