Apprentice - Production

Kennametal Stellite Inc.; New Market (VA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Kennametal Inc. in Harrisonburg, VA offers a Machinist Apprentice program. You will start with CNC operations training and progress through multi-axis machining within an assigned department. Successful completion yields Kennametal Certified CNC Machinist and a transition to 2nd or 3rd shift.

The program emphasizes hands-on learning, safety, documentation, and teamwork in a manufacturing environment that values precision and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Requires 1–3 years of relevant work experience.
• Must read and interpret blueprints and use precision tools.
• Must learn to operate CNC machines and follow safety policies.
• Ability to lift and carry tools/materials up to 33 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Complete on-the-job and online training for CNC setup and operation.
• Learn to work with mills, lathes, and grinders in production.
• Read blueprints, document measurements, and ensure quality.
• Follow safety policies to maintain a 100% safe work environment.
• Set up and operate machine tools and secure fixtures/tools.
• Inspect machined parts using precision gauges to specs.
• Maintain organized workspace and timely data entry.
• Attend assignments and meetings as required.

Skills

1–3 years experience

Reading blueprints

Safety minded

Team collaboration

Proficient math

Machine operation (CNC)

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical school certification preferred

Tools

Mills, lathes, grinders

Job description

With over 85 years as an industrial technology leader,Kennametal Inc.delivers productivity to customers through materials science, tooling and wear-resistant solutions. Customers across aerospace and defense, earthworks, energy, general engineering and transportation turn toKennametalto help them manufacture with precision and efficiency. Learn more at kennametal.com . Follow @Kennametal: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Shift: 1st shift for 1 year of training then will move to either 2nd or 3rd shift

Job Summary

This role begins by learning CNC operations and gradually progress into multiple axis machining through structured, hands-on training within an assigned department. The Machinist Apprentice position will participation in a 1-year apprenticeship program, where upon successful completion, obtain a Kennametal Certified CNC Machinist certificate and transition into a second or third shift CNC Machinist position.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Complete on-the-job training and online training courses focused on setting up and running variety of CNC machines in a production environment.
• Learn about industry standards and regulations, materials used in production, safety policies, formula calculations, proper documentation, and appropriate communication with the manufacturer.
• Adhere to and follow all company safety policies and procedures to assure commitment to a 100% safe work environment.
• Safely and efficiently setup and operate machine tools, such as mills, lathes, and grinders.
• Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines.
• Work from and read blueprints; performing inspection of machined products by selecting and setting up precision gaging to ensure external and internal quality specifications and requirements.
• Maintain clean and organized workplace.
• Complete all necessary documentation, electronic data entries and communications accurately and timely.
• Maintain regular attendance and perform duties in a timely manner, arriving and departing for assignments and meetings as required

Required Skills:

• Relevent work experience required 1-3 years
• Self-starter with good customer service skills and a pleasant demeanor.
• Openness to learning new skills and collaborating with other team members to create solutions.
• Ability to learn how to operate various machines such as mills, lathes, and grinders.
• Ability to learn to read and interpret blueprints, use precision measurement tools and closely follow verbal and written instructions.
• Safety mindset with desire to contribute to strong safety culture.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient basic math including adding/subtracting fractions and decimals.
• Must be able to lift and carry tools and material weighing up to 33 pounds.

Education:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Have a high school diploma, or equivalent GED
• Manufacturing work experience or technical school certification preferred

Physical requirements:

• Carrying/Lifting
• Kneeling/Stooping
• Standing
• Walking
• Pushing/Pulling

Working Conditions:

• Office

Equipment

• Safety glasses
• Safety shoes

Kennametal Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Nearest Major Market

Harrisonburg

Nearest Secondary Market

Virginia

Job Segment

Machinist, CNC, Industrial, Materials Science, Social Media, Manufacturing, Science, Marketing