Apprentice - Production

Kennametal Inc.; Virginia; On-site; USD 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Kennametal Inc. offers a CNC Machinist Apprentice program starting with hands-on training in CNC operations in a production department. Over a year, you progress through multiple axis machining and earn a Kennametal Certified CNC Machinist certificate, then transition to a CNC Machinist position on 2nd or 3rd shift.

The role emphasizes setting up/operating mills, lathes, and grinders, reading blueprints, following safety policies, and completing documentation accurately.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of relevant work experience.
• Self-starter with good customer service skills and a pleasant demeanor.
• Openness to learning new skills and collaborating with team members.
• Ability to learn to operate mills, lathes, and grinders.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints; use precision measurement tools.
• Safety-minded with commitment to a strong safety culture.
• Proficient verbal and written communication.
• Proficient basic math including fractions and decimals.
• Must be able to lift and carry tools and material up to 33 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Complete on-the-job and online training focused on setting up and running CNC machines in a production environment.
• Learn industry standards, materials, safety policies, and documentation; communicate with the manufacturer.
• Follow all safety policies to maintain a 100% safe work environment.
• Safely set up and operate mills, lathes, and grinders.
• Align and secure fixtures, tools, attachments, or materials on machines.
• Read blueprints and inspect machined products using precision gauges to meet quality specs.
• Maintain a clean and organized workspace; document activities promptly.

Skills

1-3 years experience

Self-starter

Willing to learn

Machine operation

Blueprints reading

Safety conscious

Communication skills

Basic math

Lifting up to 33 lbs

Education

High school diploma or GED

Manufacturing work experience or technical school preferred

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

Hourly Pay Range: $23 - $28

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 participate 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:

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