2-Year Maintenance Apprentice

Continental Tire the Americas, LLC; Sumter (SC); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Continental is seeking a maintenance apprentice in Sumter, SC to learn through a regionally accredited technical college program while gaining hands-on experience. You will mentor with qualified technicians and rotate through troubleshooting, PLC programming, and preventive maintenance on diverse plant equipment.

The role emphasizes safety, adherence to plant policies, and accurate timekeeping, with opportunities to grow within a global tire manufacturer.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Currently enrolled in a technical college program in Mechatronics or E&I in second semester with GPA 2.8+.
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. and no visa sponsorship.
• Relocation not provided for this opportunity.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and repair control devices and motors from 110 VAC to 4160 VAC and maintain transformers and lighting equipment.
• Repair relay/limit switch logic devices and electronic control devices including PCBs.
• Troubleshoot, program and repair PLCs on the shop floor for plant services.
• Perform regular preventive maintenance on machines and equipment and adjust as needed.
• Read and interpret equipment manuals and work orders; follow safety and ESH instructions.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Electrical skills

Mechanical aptitude

Reading schematics

Education

High school diploma/GED

Technical college enrollment in Mechatronics or E&I

Job description

Continental is a leading tire manufacturer and industry specialist. Founded in 1871, the company generated sales of €19.7 billion in 2025 and currently employs around 76,000 people in 54 countries and markets.

Tire solutions from the Tires group sector make mobility safer, smarter, and more sustainable. Its premium portfolio encompasses car, truck, bus, two-wheel, and specialty tires as well as smart solutions and services for fleets and tire retailers. Continental has been delivering top performance for more than 150 years and is one of the world’s largest tire manufacturers. In fiscal 2025, the Tires group sector generated sales of 13.8 billion euros. Continental’s tire division currently employs around 53,000 people worldwide and has 19 production and 16 development sites.

YOUR TASKS

HOW WILL YOU MAKE AN IMPACT

• Receive applicable training through a regionally accredited technical college program and additional work experience via daily work activities while being mentored through the guidance of our qualified maintenance technicians
• Receive their program tuition paid in full as reflected under the terms and conditions of our 2-year apprenticeship agreement and other local requirements
• Troubleshoot and repair control devices and motors in the 110 VAC to 4160 VAC range and maintain power transformers (4160,460,460/110) and lighting transformers (4160/277)
• Repair relay/limit switch logic devices and any electronic type control devices that utilize solid state components, transistors, diodes, VDC. This repair includes printed circuit board assemblies
• Troubleshoot, program and repair PLC’s on the shop floor and any control devices used in conjunction with plant service in steam, water, air, etc. These control devices may be electrical or mechanical
• Perform regular preventive maintenance on machines and equipment and adjust as needed
• Effectively communicate with maintenance supervision, other engineering personnel, and area department supervision
• Read and interpret equipment manuals and work orders to perform required maintenance and service
• Follow all plant policies, environmental policies, and plant and departmental safety policies
• Must be certified to operate a forklift through internal training providers and willing to work flexible work schedule
• Perform machinist work, use common machine tools to cut, shape, form, etc. and other materials into shape
• Troubleshoot as a mechanic, use common hand tools to adjust, replace worn and broken parts of a structural, rotating, reciprocating or running nature
• Accurately and correctly record job time and accurately record/sign-in service/attendance time
• Follow the internal ESH work instructions in the daily work
• Demonstrate exemplary personal behavior in ESH and motivate others
• Ensure immediate notification and response, and initiate preventive measures in case of unsafe or polluting hazards
• Other duties as assigned

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma/GED
• Must be currently enrolled in technical college program – Mechatronics or E&I in your second semester with an overall GPA of 2.8.
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening
• Continental is not able to pay relocation expenses for this opportunity

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Medium to heavy work. Exposure to heat and dust. Must be able to stand for long periods, frequently stoop, twist, bend, walk long distances, climb stairs/ladders, lift 50 or more pounds occasionally. Work at heights and outdoors when required. Ability to wear respirator, safety equipment, and safety apparatus for above groundwork. Push/pull medium to heavy. Not afraid to get dirty. Full range of motion in both hands and arms with the ability to use both hand and powered tools. Willing to work 12 hour rotating shifts.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

EEO-Statement:

EEO / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Continental offers equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to unlawful consideration to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. In addition, as a federal contractor, Continental complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans, where they apply. To be considered, you must apply for a specific position for which Continental has a current posted job opening. Qualifying applications will be considered only for the specific opening(s) to which you apply. If you would like to be considered for additional or future job openings, we encourage you to reapply for other opportunities as they become available. Further, Continental provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance in the application process, please reply to [e-mail] or contact US Recruiting at 800-821-2727. This telephone line and email address are reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requesting accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Please do not call about the status of your job application, if you do not require accessibility assistance or an accommodation. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or non-disability related technical issues, will not receive a call back.