ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Trainee Jobs in Waterloo, IA (NOW HIRING)

Menard, Inc

Manager Trainee

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

Our Manager Trainee Position is a paid, full-time, hands-on training program designed to develop and prepare you for the world of Menards Management. As you progress through the Manager Trainee ...

Menard, Inc

Manager Trainee

Waterloo, IA

Our Manager Trainee Position is a paid, full-time, hands-on training program designed to develop and prepare you for the world of Menards Management. As you progress through the Manager Trainee ...

Menards, Inc.

Manager Trainee

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

Our Manager Trainee Position is a paid, full-time, hands-on training program designed to develop and prepare you for the world of Menards Management. As you progress through the Manager Trainee ...

Menards, Inc.

Manager Trainee

Waterloo, IA · On-site

Our Manager Trainee Position is a paid, full-time, hands-on training program designed to develop and prepare you for the world of Menards Management. As you progress through the Manager Trainee ...

Furniture Row

Sales / Management Trainee

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$40K - $55K/yr

SALES/ MANAGEMENT TRAINEES (no previous exp. necessary - we will train you!) Looking for people who are --- * Career Minded * High in Integrity * Ethical * Energetic * Available evenings, weekends ...

Furniture Row

Sales / Management Trainee

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$40K - $55K/yr

SALES/ MANAGEMENT TRAINEES (no previous exp. necessary - we will train you!) Looking for people who are --- * Career Minded * High in Integrity * Ethical * Energetic * Available evenings, weekends ...

Sysco

Driver Trainee

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

Most Driver Trainees have daily routes and are home nightly. * Paid vacation and holidays. * RELOCATION ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE. * Ongoing job skills and leadership development training. * Career growth ...

Andrew Meier Inc.

Sales Team Leader Trainee

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Job Title: Sales Team Leader Trainee Company: Meier Agency Job Type: Full-time About Us: At Meier Agency, we are committed to driving growth and success in the sales industry. We believe in ...

Andrew Meier Inc.

Sales Team Leader Trainee

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Job Title: Sales Team Leader Trainee Company: Meier Agency Job Type: Full-time About Us: At Meier Agency, we are committed to driving growth and success in the sales industry. We believe in ...

Hertz

Manager Trainee

Cedar Falls, IA

$35K/yr

We're hiring a Manager Trainee to support location performance, develop leadership skills, and prepare for promotion to Branch Manager in as little as 12-18 months. This role is ideal for someone who ...

Hertz

Manager Trainee

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$35K/yr

We're hiring a Manager Trainee to support location performance, develop leadership skills, and prepare for promotion to Branch Manager in as little as 12-18 months. This role is ideal for someone who ...

The Hertz Corporation

Manager Trainee

Cedar Falls, IA

$35K/yr

We're hiring a Manager Trainee to support location performance, develop leadership skills, and prepare for promotion to Branch Manager in as little as 12-18 months. This role is ideal for someone who ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsTrainee JobsTrainee Jobs in Waterloo, IA

Trainee information

See Waterloo, IA salary details

$25.1K

$42.9K

$62.6K

How much do trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee in Waterloo, IA is $42,923.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,500.00 and $50,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a trainee?

A trainee is an individual who is undergoing training for a specific job or profession, typically as part of an entry-level position or apprenticeship. Trainees often receive instruction and practical experience under the supervision of more experienced staff, with the goal of acquiring the skills and knowledge necessary for a permanent role. The training period can vary in length depending on the industry and employer, but it is designed to prepare individuals for full-time employment in their chosen field.

What are trainee jobs?

Trainee jobs are typically entry-level positions where people learn the duties and skills necessary to work independently. As a trainee, you work under a more experienced worker or a supervisor whose job it is to provide new employees with professional development. Many large companies, in industries as varied as retail and accounting, have specialized trainee programs. At an accounting or architecture firm, trainees are usually workers who are not yet licensed to perform the entirety of their job’s responsibilities, but nonetheless have the qualifications to begin work while they study for licensing exams.

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

To thrive as a Trainee, you need a basic educational background relevant to the industry, a willingness to learn, and strong problem-solving abilities. Familiarity with industry-specific software or tools, such as Microsoft Office Suite or proprietary systems, is often beneficial. Strong communication, adaptability, and time management skills help Trainees stand out by enabling them to absorb information and integrate smoothly into teams. These skills are crucial for building a solid foundation, ensuring rapid growth, and successfully transitioning to more advanced roles within the organization.

What kind of support and mentorship can a trainee expect during their initial months on the job?

As a Trainee, you can typically expect to be paired with a mentor or supervisor who will guide you through your onboarding process, provide regular feedback, and help you understand company procedures. Training programs often include structured learning sessions, shadowing experienced team members, and opportunities to ask questions. The work environment is usually collaborative, with an emphasis on learning and gradual exposure to more complex tasks. Open communication is encouraged to ensure you feel supported as you build your skills and confidence.

What is the difference between Trainee vs Apprentice?

AspectTraineeApprentice
CredentialsOften no formal certification required, may have basic qualificationsTypically requires a specific apprenticeship certification or program
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, training-focused roles in various industriesHands-on training in skilled trades or technical fields
Employer UsageUsed across diverse sectors for onboarding new employeesCommon in trades like construction, plumbing, electrical work

In summary, a Trainee is usually an entry-level individual gaining initial experience, while an Apprentice is engaged in a structured training program often leading to certification in a skilled trade. Both roles focus on learning, but apprenticeships are more formalized and trade-specific.

More about Trainee jobs

What cities near Waterloo, IA are hiring for Trainee jobs?

Cities near Waterloo, IA with the most Trainee job openings:

Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee job openings in Waterloo, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,923 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

Manager Trainee

Menard, Inc

Cedar Falls, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental

Re-posted 28 days ago

Menards rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 982 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 51 rated home improvement retailers

Job description

Make BIG Money at Menards!

  • Extra $3 per hour on Sat/Sun
  • Store Discount
  • Profit Sharing
  • Exclusive Discounts for gyms, car dealerships, cell phone plans, and more!
  • Flexible Scheduling
  • Medical Insurance and Dental Plans
  • On-the-job training
  • Advancement Opportunities
  • Promote-From-Within Culture

Start Building your Career with Menards Today!

Are you looking to start an exciting and rewarding career in Retail Management with a growing company? Our Manager Trainee Position is a paid, full-time, hands-on training program designed to develop and prepare you for the world of Menards Management. 

As you progress through the Manager Trainee program, your General Management team, Department Managers, and Store Team Members will work alongside you to develop your understanding of our business and help prepare you to take on a management role in the near future!

Endless Career Advancement Opportunities

Menards success relies on our promote-from-within culture that is filled with home-grown leaders that have completed the Manager Trainee program. Upon completion of the program, you will be eligible to promote to any of our 330+ Store Locations, Corporate Office, Manufacturing Facilities, and Distribution Centers!

Are you….

  • Motivated! Have a Passion for Excellence! Innovative! Driven! Goal Orientated!

Do you have…

  • Outstanding Customer Service skills?
  • Ability to lead and develop a team?
  • Leadership experience or a Business-related degree preferred

If so, start building your career right away! Apply today! 

We are now hiring with immediate openings and excited to help you begin your Menards career!

What Menards employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Menard logo

About Menard

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

A family-owned company started in 1958, Menards® is headquartered in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and has more than 300 home improvement stores. Today, Menards® is known throughout the home improvement industry as the low price leader; it's no wonder our famous slogan Save BIG Money!® is so widely known and easy to remember. Menards® has always been committed to providing high-quality customer service. Whether it's through helping customers design and/or calculate projects with our Design-It Center and Project Calculator programs, helping with an order, answering questions about merchandise or how to do a project, our service to our customers is number one.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Truax, WI, US

Year founded

1958

View All Menard Jobs

Apply