Entry-Level Machine Shop Trainee

General Machine; Freeburg (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

General Machine in Freeburg, IL is launching a machining career path designed for beginners. You’ll learn by doing—setting up and operating lathes, mills, and grinders with experienced mentors.

You’ll read blueprints, follow technical drawings, and build skills through on-the-job mentoring, workshops, and safety-focused training. A strong work ethic and teamwork are valued from day one.

Qualifications

• Must read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.
• Attention to detail with strong problem-solving skills.
• Coachable and eager to learn from experienced machinists.
• Able to work collaboratively to hit targets.

Responsibilities

• Assist in setting up and operating lathes, mills, and grinders.
• Support fabrication and assembly of precision parts under guidance.
• Maintain a safe, organized workstation following shop practices.
• Attend workshops and training sessions to build machining knowledge.
• Perform routine machine and tool maintenance for reliability.
• Work with the team to meet production targets and deadlines.

Skills

Blueprint reading

Reading schematics

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Coachability

Team collaboration

Strong work ethic

Education

High school diploma

Technical school machining exposure

Tools

Hand tools

Measuring instruments

Job description

Role Snapshot – Freeburg, IL

Launch your machining career by learning side-by-side with experts in a high-energy manufacturing environment.

What You’ll Do

• Assist in setting up and operating lathes, mills, and grinders.
• Develop the skill to read blueprints and technical drawings for job requirements.
• Support fabrication and assembly of precision parts under expert guidance.
• Maintain an orderly, safe workstation and follow shop safety best practices.
• Attend workshops and training sessions to build machining knowledge.
• Handle routine machine and tool maintenance for reliable performance.
• Work with the team to hit production targets and deadlines.

What You Need

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical school machining exposure is a plus.
• Keen interest in machining/manufacturing.
• Basic competency with hand tools and measuring instruments.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents and schematics.
• Attention to detail with solid problem-solving skills.
• Coachability—ready to learn from experienced machinists.
• Strong work ethic and collaborative mindset.

Why This Path

• Structured learning: formal training sessions and on-the-job mentoring.
• Clear fundamentals: safety, organization, and quality from day one.
• Real impact: contribute to precision parts that meet exacting specs.

Location:

Freeburg, IL