Industrial Millwright Apprentice — Mentored Die & Tooling Repair

MDS Staffing; Skokie (IL); On-site; USD 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

MDS Staffing in Skokie, IL is seeking an Industrial Millwright – Apprentice to learn under a seasoned mentor in a clean, climate-controlled tool room. This hands-on role focuses on dies, punches, and production tooling, with opportunities to operate manual machines and read blueprints.

The ideal candidate has a mechanical foundation, a willingness to learn, and reliability; HS diploma or GED required, plus interest in formal machining training; pay is $28.00–$32.00 per hour on first shift.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; technical or vocational training is a strong plus.
• Background in manual machining with hands-on lathe and mill experience preferred.
• Mechanically inclined candidates without formal machining experience will be considered if they show strong aptitude and genuine eagerness to learn.
• Blueprint reading skills are a plus.
• Reliable, team‑oriented, and committed to a clean and organized work environment.
• Someone who wants to learn a trade properly, not shortcuts.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, repair, and refurbish dies, punches, and tooling under mentorship.
• Fabricate replacement components and tooling solutions using manual tools.
• Operate lathes, milling machines, surface grinders, drill presses, and related equipment.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings and blueprints where available.
• Apply hands-on judgment for legacy tooling with no prints.
• Use micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, and height gauges for precision measurement.
• Support tooling setup, alignment, and adjustments to maintain quality.
• Assist production teams during changeovers, setups, and startups.
• Maintain tooling inventory and keep records of repairs and modifications.
• Follow safety, quality, and housekeeping standards.

Skills

Manual machining

Lathe experience

Mill experience

Blueprint reading

Mechanical aptitude

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical or vocational training

Tools

Lathe

Milling machine

Surface grinder

Drill press

Micrometers

Calipers

Dial indicators

Height gauges

Job description

MDS Staffing in Skokie, IL is seeking an Industrial Millwright – Apprentice to learn under a seasoned mentor in a clean, climate-controlled tool room. This hands-on role focuses on dies, punches, and production tooling, with opportunities to operate manual machines and read blueprints.

The ideal candidate has a mechanical foundation, a willingness to learn, and reliability; HS diploma or GED required, plus interest in formal machining training; pay is $28.00–$32.00 per hour on first shift.