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Trainee Mechanic Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Lansing

Mechanic Trainee

Lansing, MI

$49K - $59K/yr

Job Advertisement The City of Lansing is seeking a skilled Mechanic Trainee to join the Fleet Services Division. This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals who enjoy working with their hands and ...

City of Lansing, MI

Mechanic Trainee

Lansing, MI · On-site

$49K - $59K/yr

The Trainee will have completed the Mechanic Trainee Program when the following items are achieved. * Obtain - State Certification Master Heavy, Level I * Obtain - ASE Master Medium/Heavy ...

J&J Snack Foods

Maintenance Mechanic Trainee

Bellmawr, NJ · On-site

$24 - $30.75/hr

Apon completion of the Bellmawr Maintenance training program, the trainee will then be a Bellmawr maintenance mechanic. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: * Perform routine and simple daily preventative ...

Quad

Electrical Mechanical Trainee

Sussex, WI · On-site

Electrical and Mechanical servicing, repair, and maintenance of industrial equipment. * Learn how to safely troubleshoot equipment malfunctions. Trainees can receive regular wage increases at ...

Quad

Electrical Mechanical Trainee

Cedarburg, WI · On-site

Electrical and Mechanical servicing, repair, and maintenance of industrial equipment. * Learn how to safely troubleshoot equipment malfunctions. Trainees can receive regular wage increases at ...

Quad

Electrical Mechanical Trainee

Sussex, WI · On-site

Electrical and Mechanical servicing, repair, and maintenance of industrial equipment. * Learn how to safely troubleshoot equipment malfunctions. Trainees can receive regular wage increases at ...

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Trainee Mechanic information

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How much do trainee mechanic jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for trainee mechanic in the United States is $18.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Trainee Mechanic vs Apprentice Mechanic?

AspectTrainee MechanicApprentice Mechanic
CertificationsOften in training, may have basic certificationsTypically enrolled in formal apprenticeship programs
Work EnvironmentOn-the-job training under supervisionHands-on training alongside experienced mechanics
Industry UsageCommon in automotive and industrial sectorsStandard term in automotive repair and maintenance
Search IntentLearning roles, entry-level positionsTraining pathways, career development

Both roles involve on-the-job training in mechanical work, but a Trainee Mechanic is often in the early stages of learning, while an Apprentice Mechanic is enrolled in a formal apprenticeship program. The terms are used interchangeably in some regions, but generally, apprenticeships provide structured training with certifications, making the Apprentice Mechanic role more formalized.

Is 25 too old to become a mechanic?

Trainee mechanics can start at any age, including 25, as the profession values skills, training, and certifications over age. Many employers welcome mature candidates who demonstrate a strong work ethic and technical ability, and training programs often do not have age restrictions. Success in becoming a mechanic depends on dedication, learning practical skills, and obtaining relevant certifications such as ASE.

What are trainee mechanics?

Trainee mechanics are individuals who are learning the skills needed to become qualified automotive mechanics. They typically work under the supervision of experienced technicians, performing basic maintenance tasks such as oil changes, tire rotations, and inspections while gaining hands-on experience. Trainee mechanics often participate in formal apprenticeship programs or on-the-job training to develop their technical knowledge and practical abilities. Over time, they build the expertise required to diagnose and repair a variety of vehicle issues independently. This role is an entry point into the automotive repair industry and can lead to advanced positions as skills and certifications are acquired.

How to become a trainee mechanic?

To become a trainee mechanic, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and basic knowledge of automotive systems. Gaining hands-on experience through vocational training, apprenticeships, or technical courses, along with developing skills in tools and diagnostics, is essential; some positions may also require relevant certifications or licenses.

What types of tasks and responsibilities can a Trainee Mechanic expect during the first few months on the job?

As a Trainee Mechanic, you can expect to start with basic tasks such as assisting with vehicle inspections, performing routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations, and cleaning work areas. Under the supervision of experienced mechanics, you’ll gradually learn to use diagnostic tools and handle minor repairs. You’ll also spend time observing more complex repairs and may be responsible for documenting work or ordering parts. This hands-on experience is essential for building confidence and technical skills, and you’ll typically work closely with a team to ensure safety and quality standards are met.

What is the highest paying apprenticeship trade?

In the trades, electrical and plumbing apprenticeships tend to offer some of the highest wages, especially as apprentices gain experience and certifications. Skilled trades such as HVAC, welding, and elevator installation also provide high earning potential for apprentices who complete their programs and gain specialized skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Trainee Mechanic, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trainee Mechanic, you need basic mechanical aptitude, problem-solving skills, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring vocational training. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, hand and power tools, and automotive repair systems is commonly required, and certifications like ASE can be advantageous. Attention to detail, willingness to learn, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure accurate vehicle maintenance, safety, and efficient collaboration within a workshop environment.

How to get into being a mechanic with no experience?

To become a trainee mechanic with no experience, start by gaining basic knowledge of vehicle systems through online courses or reading. Seek entry-level positions or apprenticeships at repair shops or dealerships, and consider obtaining relevant certifications such as the ASE Student Certification to improve your prospects. Hands-on training and a willingness to learn are essential for progressing in this field.
More about Trainee Mechanic jobs
What cities are hiring for Trainee Mechanic jobs? Cities with the most Trainee Mechanic job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanic jobs? The most popular types of Mechanic jobs are:
What states have the most Trainee Mechanic jobs? States with the most job openings for Trainee Mechanic jobs include:
Trainee Mechanic jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee Mechanic job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $38,855 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Water Utility Mechanic (Trainee, Mechanic, & Senior)

City of Georgetown

Georgetown, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

City Of Georgetown (Texas) rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

477th of 835 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!
We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.
Under limited supervision maintains and operates the city's water and wastewater industrial infrastructure in a safe, effective, and efficient manner. Repairs and maintains facilities and equipment. Incumbents in this classification are required to be on-call on a rotating basis
Applicants are encouraged to submit a resume. There are multiple positions available.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties that are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Water Utility Mechanic Trainee
  • Assists in the operation of the water, wastewater, and reuse collection/distribution and treatment systems by starting and stopping system pumps, opening/closing valves, adjusting system parameters, locating and marking underground infrastructure.
  • Assists with maintenance and repair of the water, wastewater, and reuse collection/distribution and treatment systems by performing preventative or corrective maintenance with direct supervision and guidance on motors, blowers, drives, air lines, bar screens, fine screens, pumps, piping, valves, electrical panels and other components.
  • At the direction of senior staff, operates, maintains and repairs hand tools, power tools, power equipment, heavy equipment, and specialized machinery to maintain and repair the water, wastewater, and reuse collection/distribution and treatment systems.
  • Assists with the operation of complex and sensitive test equipment to troubleshoot and test the water, wastewater, and reuse collection/distribution and treatment systems.
  • Performs data entry necessary (paper and computer) to collect system data on rounds, document work performed for repairs.
  • Assists plant operations with routine maintenance of water and wastewater treatment systems.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Water Utility Mechanic
  • Operates the water, wastewater, and reuse collection/distribution and treatment systems by starting and stopping system pumps, opening/closing valves, adjusting system parameters, locating and marking underground infrastructure.
  • Maintains and repairs the water, wastewater, and reuse collection/distribution and treatment systems by performing preventative or corrective maintenance on motors, blowers, drives, air lines, bar screens, fine screens, pumps, piping, valves, electrical panels and other components.
  • Operates, maintains and repairs hand tools, power tools, power equipment, heavy equipment, and specialized machinery to maintain and repair the water, wastewater, and reuse collection/distribution and treatment systems.
  • Operates complex and sensitive test equipment to troubleshoot and test the water, wastewater, and reuse collection/distribution and treatment systems.
  • Performs data entry necessary (paper and computer) to collect system data on rounds, document work performed for repairs.
  • Assists plant operations with routine maintenance of water and wastewater treatment systems.
  • Work closely with contractors/vendors to facilitate repairs of pumps, motors, and other systems.
  • Provides direction and assistance to less experienced Pump and Motor Technician Trainees.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Senior Water Utility Mechanic
  • Leads the operation of the water, wastewater, and reuse collection/distribution and treatment systems by starting and stopping system pumps, opening/closing valves, adjusting system parameters, locating and marking underground infrastructure.
  • Leads in the maintenance and repairs of the water, wastewater, and reuse collection/distribution and treatment systems by performing preventative or corrective maintenance on motors, blowers, drives, air lines, bar screens, fine screens, pumps, piping, valves, electrical panels and other components.
  • Operates, maintains and repairs hand tools, power tools, power equipment, heavy equipment, and specialized machinery to maintain and repair the water, wastewater, and reuse collection/distribution and treatment systems.
  • Leads work group in routine rounds of the treatment facilities to monitor treatment equipment, identify and troubleshoot process equipment, coordinate, and resolve anomalies or mechanical problems with plant equipment.
  • Operates and instructs others in the use of complex and sensitive test equipment to troubleshoot and test the water, wastewater, and reuse collection/distribution and treatment systems.
  • Lead on-the-job training of Water Utility Mechanical staff.
  • Performs data entry necessary (paper and computer) to collect system data on rounds, document work performed for repairs.
  • Assists plant operations with routine maintenance of water and wastewater treatment systems.
  • Work closely with contractors/vendors to facilitate repairs of pumps, motors, and other systems.
  • Provides direction and assistance to less experienced Pump and Motor Technician Trainees.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Water Utility Mechanic Trainee
Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines
High school diploma or equivalent. One (1) year of full-time experience in the operation and maintenance of a water distribution or wastewater collection system OR Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Knowledge of:
  • Basic knowledge of safety procedures and PPE associated with general industry.
  • Proper and safe use of chemicals.
  • Proper use of hand and power tools.

Skill in:
  • Basic troubleshooting of electrical and industrial systems.
  • Understanding oral and written instruction.
  • Communicating effectively orally and in writing.
  • Working safely and effectively with others.
  • Reading and comprehending operation and safety manuals, signs, maps, office memos, labels, blueprints.
  • Performing calculations for volume, capacity, and area.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Must have or be able to obtain within one (1) year of hire:
  • Valid Class B Texas Commercial Driver's license with the Tanker endorsement
  • Class D Water Operator License from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Standing, sitting, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching, handling, fine dexterity, crouching, bending, vision, hearing, talking, use of foot controls. Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. above the head.
Works outdoors in hot, cold, and/or wet weather, exposure to noise and vibration from machinery, toxic chemicals and gases, work in confined spaces (vaults, dry pits), work with wastewater biohazards, work with electrical voltages in excess of 480V, high pressure water from sewer machines.
Water Utility Mechanic
Education, Training and Experience Guidelines
High school diploma or equivalent. Two (2) years of full-time experience in the operation and maintenance of a water distribution or wastewater collection system OR Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Knowledge of:
  • Facts and information etc. consistent with the most current Pump and Motor Technician Qualification Manual.
  • First aid and CPR procedures and knowledge of safety procedures associated with general industry.
  • Knowledge of energy isolation safety procedures i.e. lockout/tagout.
  • Basic understanding of electrical systems, logic controllers, hydrodynamics, and industrial pumps.
  • Proper and safe use of chemicals.

Skill in:
  • Performing all tasks and functions identified in the most current Pump and Motor Technician Qualification Manual.
  • Operating heavy machinery including specialized equipment.
  • Basic troubleshooting of electrical and industrial systems.
  • Understanding oral and written instruction.
  • Communicating effectively orally and in writing
  • Working safely and effectively with others.
  • Making judgments pertaining to repair needs, supply needs and finding safe effective solutions to problems.
  • Reading and comprehending operation/safety manuals, signs, maps, office memos, labels, and blueprints.
  • Performing calculations for volume, capacity, and area.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Must have or be able to obtain within one (1) year of hire:
  • Valid Class B Texas Commercial Driver's license with the Tanker endorsement
  • Class C Distribution and a Class I Collection License from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality OR Class D Water Operator and a Class II Collection License from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Standing, sitting, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching, handling, fine dexterity, crouching, bending, vision, hearing, talking, use of foot controls. Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. above the head.
Works outdoors in hot, cold, and/or wet weather, exposure to noise and vibration from machinery, toxic chemicals and gases, work in confined spaces (vaults, dry pits), work with wastewater biohazards, work with electrical voltages in excess of 480V, high-pressure water from sewer machines.
Senior Water Utility Mechanic
Education, Training and Experience Guidelines
High school diploma or equivalent. Four (4) years of full-time experience in the operation and maintenance of a water distribution or wastewater collection system OR Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Facts and information etc. consistent with the most current Water Utility Mechanical Senior Technician Qualification Manual.
  • First aid and CPR procedures and knowledge of safety procedures associated with general industry.
  • Knowledge of energy isolation safety procedures i.e. lockout/tagout.
  • Basic understanding of electrical systems, logic controllers, hydrodynamics, and industrial pumps.
  • Knowledge of proper and safe use of chemicals.
  • Knowledge of all tasks and functions identified in the most current Pump and Motor Technician Qualification Manual.
  • Skill in operating heavy machinery including specialized equipment.
  • Knowledge of basic troubleshooting of electrical and industrial systems.
  • Knowledge of water/wastewater treatment, distribution, and collection processes and procedures, and regulatory requirements under normal, temporary, and emergency operating conditions.
  • Knowledge of diagnostic techniques and troubleshooting methodology.
  • Knowledge of confined space entry procedures and related equipment.
  • Knowledge of energy isolation safety procedures i.e. lockout/tagout.
  • Skill at reading, analyzing, interpreting, and modifying blueprints, diagrams, schematics, and technical drawings.
  • Skill in using computers and related software.
  • Skill at operating a motor vehicle and motorized equipment.
  • Skill at operating manual, automated and buried valves, pumps, and control systems.
  • Skill at using hand tools and power tools.
  • May require skill at precision alignment of rotating equipment.
  • Skill at using lifts, hoists, and rigging.
  • Skill at preparing written reports.
  • Skill at analyzing and making recommendations on optimizing operational processes and/or maintenance schedules.
  • Ability to operate and select proper breathing apparatus, respirators, and atmospheric monitors, in compliance with Utility Respiratory Protection Policy/Procedures.
  • Ability to work in environments which may have hazardous atmospheres.
  • Ability to work in spaces, where there is limited or restricted means for entry and exit, or where the work activities may be hindered.
  • Ability to safely wear Anti-fall (SRL) body harness for confined space entry.
  • Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
  • Ability to read and interpret meters, gauges, control panels, and testing and monitoring equipment.
  • Understanding oral and written instruction.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
  • Ability to work safely and effectively with others.
  • Ability to make judgments pertaining to repair needs, supply needs and finding safe effective solutions to problems.
  • Skill in reading/comprehension of operation/safety manuals, signs, maps, office memos, labels, and blueprints.
  • Ability to perform calculations for volume, capacity, and area.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
  • Valid Class A Texas Commercial Driver's License.
  • Must have or be able to obtain within one (1) year of hire: Class B Distribution and a Class III Collection License from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
  • Candidates who meet the TCEQ licensure requirements but do not hold a Texas Class A Driver's License but are able to obtain within one (1) year may be considered.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Standing, sitting, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching, handling, fine dexterity, crouching, bending, vision, hearing, talking, use of foot controls. Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. above the head.
Works outdoors in ho

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