Body Shop Painter Apprentice

Lee Contracting; Pontiac (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Apprenticeship programs

Paid holidays

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Lee Industrial Contracting in Pontiac, MI is seeking an experienced painter to prepare surfaces, mix and spray coatings using HVLP and airless systems under supervision. The role requires a safety-first mindset and the ability to work with foremen and other trades on industrial projects.

You will be responsible for masking, priming, and applying coatings, maintaining a clean workspace, and assisting with light body repairs as needed. Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs is required.

Qualifications

• Must be mechanically inclined with ability to use common hand tools.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Strong emphasis on safety and quality workmanship.

Responsibilities

• Follow direction from foremen and supervisors to complete tasks efficiently and safely.
• Prepare metal and composite surfaces—cleaning, sanding, masking, and priming for paint application.
• Mix, match, and spray coatings using HVLP and airless spray systems under guidance of senior painters.
• Maintain shop cleanliness by organizing tools, disposing of waste, and wiping down equipment at the end of each shift.
• Assist with minor body repairs, including dent removal, filler application, and edge sealing.
• Inspect finished work for adhesion, coverage, and aesthetic quality; correct defects as instructed.
• Load/unload materials, paint, and supplies and transport them safely within the facility.
• Coordinate with other departments (weld/fab, mechanical, electrical) to streamline project schedules.
• Document work completed and report material or equipment needs promptly.

Skills

Mechanically inclined

Hand tools

Attention to safety

Teamwork

Tools

HVLP spray systems

Airless spray systems

Surface prep

Job description

Founded in 1989, Lee Industrial Contracting is a 100% employee-owned company based in Pontiac, Michigan. We are the premier industrial contractor of choice for a broad variety of equipment installation, construction, and service projects. As employee-owners, we all strive to demonstrate the core values of Safety, Teamwork, Integrity, and Dedication each and every day. As a team, our mission is to provide our customers with the finest people, material, and equipment available. We encourage anyone who shares our values to apply today!

We Are Proud To Offer Our Employees

• Apprenticeship and Comprehensive Training Programs
• Paid Holidays Upon Hire
• Competitive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• HSA with Employer Contribution
• Paid Time Off
• Company Paid Short-Term Disability & Life Insurance
• Safety Bonus Program
• Employee Stock Ownership Program
• Work Travel Incentive
• Holiday Bonus
• And so much more!

Responsibilities

• Follow direction from foremen and supervisors to complete tasks efficiently and safely
• Prepare metal and composite surfaces—cleaning, sanding, masking, and priming for paint application
• Mix, match, and spray coatings using HVLP and airless spray systems under guidance of senior painters
• Maintain shop cleanliness by organizing tools, disposing of waste, and wiping down equipment at the end of each shift
• Assist with minor body repairs, including dent removal, filler application, and edge sealing
• Inspect finished work for adhesion, coverage, and aesthetic quality; correct defects as instructed
• Load/unload materials, paint, and supplies and transport them safely within the facility
• Coordinate with other departments (weld/fab, mechanical, electrical) to streamline project schedules
• Document work completed and report material or equipment needs promptly

Requirements

• Mechanically inclined with common hand tools (tape measure, power drills, levels, screwdrivers, etc.).
• Ability to work effectively with all personality types.
• Ability to understand and carry out verbal and written instructions.
• Self-directed and can work independently
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Requirements

• Basic math skills
• prior experience with industrial or automotive painting, basic bodywork, or equipment prep

Equipment Experience

• Aerial -lift Operation - Boom Lift (Preferred)
• Aerial -lift Operation - Scissor Lift (Preferred)
• Forklift Operation - Material Handling up to 5000# (Preferred)
• Basic operation of trucks and equipment (Preferred)
• Trailer Loading and securing of construction material (Preferred)

Rigging Requirements

• Signal or verbally direct workers engaged in hoisting and moving loads to ensure the safety of workers and materials.
• Utilize and understand the constraints of chains, synthetic, metal mesh, and wire rope slings.
• Use & recognize rigging hardware including hooks, shackles, wire rope clips, clamps, eye bolts, softeners and tag lines
• Identifies common load configurations & positioning
• Rigger 1 training – trains on above

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to ascend/descend ladders, scaffolds, stairs, and/or operate scissor/boom lifts while working at height.
• Work in permit & non-permit required confined spaces and in proximity to loud equipment.
• Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move up to 50 pounds regularly/occasionally
• Must be able to respond quickly to auditory alarms, visual signals, or other effective means to communicate hazards
• Must be able to move safely over uneven terrain or in confined spaces.
• Must be able to work in cold/hot environments.
• Must be able to traverse irregular and steep terrain.

This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions, and nothing herein restricts managements right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.