Industrial Maintenance Apprentice: Hands-on Tech Path

WT Burnett Nonwovens; Statesville (NC); On-site; USD 29,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

WT Burnett Co. in Statesville, NC offers an entry-level Maintenance Technician Apprentice program designed to build mechanical and electrical skills under direct supervision, with clear progression toward a Maintenance Technician Level 2.

The apprenticeship combines On-the-Job Learning and Related Technical Instruction through Mitchell Community College’s AIMS Lab program. Acceptance requires completing WT Burnett's Apprenticeship Agreement and signing off on all competencies per the Work

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Enrollment in or completion of a technical program (Electrical/Electronic Technology, Mechatronics, Industrial Technology, or related field) is strongly preferred.
• Some exposure to industrial, mechanical, or electrical work through coursework, trade school, or hands-on experience is a plus — no prior professional experience required.

Responsibilities

• Learn to perform scheduled preventive and corrective maintenance on machinery, electrical systems, and mechanical equipment.
• Assist experienced technicians with troubleshooting and develop the ability to independently diagnose and repair equipment malfunctions.
• Develop working knowledge of 3-phase electrical systems up to 480V.
• Learn to safely troubleshoot and diagnose malfunctions using testing instruments and documentation.
• Build familiarity with Siemens and Allen Bradley drives, AC motors, and VFDs.
• Assist with dismantling and repairing defective parts using hoists, cranes, and hand/power tools.
• Learn to safely operate machine shop equipment to fabricate repair parts.
• Develop skills in welding, fabrication, and conduit bending and installation.
• Learn to read, interpret, and update maintenance documentation including schematics and SOPs.
• Develop the ability to independently create and revise technical documentation as proficiency grows.
• Learn to use CMMS to log work orders, track equipment performance, and support root cause analysis.
• Develop consistent habits for timely and accurate CMMS entry.
• Assist with maintaining inventory of equipment, parts, and supplies.
• Learn proper storeroom procedures and ordering processes.
• Participate in lean manufacturing initiatives and BOM creation for equipment.
• Develop an improvement mindset aligned with WT Burnett's operational goals.
• Learn and consistently apply all WT Burnett safety procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Maintain a clean and safe working environment at all times.
• Develop awareness of environmental compliance requirements in a manufacturing setting.

Skills

Mechanical skills

Electrical knowledge

Troubleshooting

Documentation skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Enrollment in technical program (Electrical/Electronic Technology, Mechatronics, Industrial Technology, or related field)

Tools

CMMS software

Microsoft Office

Job description

WT Burnett Co. in Statesville, NC offers an entry-level Maintenance Technician Apprentice program designed to build mechanical and electrical skills under direct supervision, with clear progression toward a Maintenance Technician Level 2.

The apprenticeship combines On-the-Job Learning and Related Technical Instruction through Mitchell Community College’s AIMS Lab program. Acceptance requires completing WT Burnett's Apprenticeship Agreement and signing off on all competencies per the Work