Maintenance Student Training Program

General Mills, Inc; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

General Mills is seeking a Maintenance Student Trainee in Cedar Rapids for a 12-week rotation beginning January 12, 2027. You will work 20 hours per week, gaining hands-on experience with industrial processing and packaging equipment under seasoned maintenance staff.

Ideal candidates are enrolled in the second year of an Industrial Maintenance Technology program, possess a high school diploma or GED, and demonstrate strong communication and safety awareness.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Enrolled in the second year of Industrial Maintenance Technology degree.
• Training in the safe use of shop tools.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in a physical role.
• Willingness to learn in a food manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, repair, and replace industrial machinery and equipment.
• Identify and troubleshoot mechanical issues.
• Provide technical support during troubleshooting and equipment modifications.
• Understand, initiate, and participate in root cause analyses.
• Perform preventive maintenance during uptime and downtime.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to improve equipment performance.
• Use maintenance systems in a high-speed manufacturing environment.
• Work with experienced team members to learn safe maintenance practices.
• Attend required meetings and training sessions.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Industrial maintenance basics

Shop tools safety

Effective communication

MS Office basics

Physical stamina

Team orientation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Second year Industrial Maintenance Technology program

Tools

Shop tools training

Job description

COMPANY OVERVIEW

We exist to make food the world loves. But we do more than that. Our company is a place that prioritizes being a force for good, a place to expand learning, explore new perspectives and reimagine new possibilities, every day. We look for people who want to bring their best - bold thinkers with big hearts who challenge one another and grow together. Because becoming the undisputed leader in food means surrounding ourselves with people who are hungry for what's next.

POSITION OVERVIEW

• Maintenance Student Training Program

• $21.00 per hour

• 12 Week Program

• Starts January 12th, 2027, and ends April 6th, 2027

• 20 hours per week (Monday through Friday)
  

Why Join Our Team

As a Maintenance Student Trainee, you will gain hands‑on experience and develop technical skills in an industry leading food manufacturing facility. You will work alongside experienced maintenance professionals and operators who are committed to sharing their knowledge and helping you grow.

The Cedar Rapids plant offers numerous growth and promotion opportunities, often promoting from within for salaried positions. The plant provides competitive pay and benefits, making it one of the highest-rated employers in the area. The plant organizes holiday dinners, family days, bring your child to work day, a summer bash with families and community involvement, and a quarter‑century club celebration for employees with 25 or more years of service. Fun facts include Ashton Kutcher's previous employment at the plant and his father's 35‑year tenure in the fruit department. The plant is also the sole domestic producer of Betty Crocker frosting.

What We Have to Offer

• This position is not benefit eligible

Your Work Schedule and Shift Information

• 12 Week Program

• Starts January 12th, 2027, and ends April 6th, 2027

• 20 hours per week (Monday through Friday)

• Flexible, consistent, planned work schedule.

• After 6-8 weeks in program, ability to add up 20 hours for remainder of program to be used for project work; weekend or downtime work.

• Additional hours based upon performance and business needs.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Under the direction of an experienced mechanic, you will:

• Install, maintain, repair, and replace industrial processing and packaging machinery, tools, and equipment.

• Identify and troubleshoot mechanical issues.

• Provide technical support during equipment troubleshooting and equipment modifications.

• Understand, initiate, and participate in root cause analyses.

• Perform preventive maintenance during both uptime and downtime.

• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to improve equipment and platform performance.

• Use technology and maintenance systems in a high-speed manufacturing environment.

• Work with experienced team members to learn safe, effective, and reliable maintenance practices.

• Attend required meetings and training sessions.

• Perform additional duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED

• Current enrollment in the second year of an Industrial Maintenance Technology degree program

• Training in the safe use of shop tools and equipment

• Effective written and verbal communication skills

• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office

• Willingness to learn, ask questions, work safely, and contribute to a teamenvironment.

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs

• Must be able to perform physical tasks for extended periods of time including standing, walking, climbing, bending, pushing, pulling and twisting over surfaces

• Ability to climb and/or work at heights while utilizing stairs, ladders, personnel lifts, or platforms

• Ability to wear protective clothing and equipment such as safety shoes, face masks, safety glasses, hearing protection, a hard hat, a hair/beard net and gloves when required

• Willing and able to adhere to all grooming requirements necessary for a food manufacturing environment

• Ability to work in hot, cold, noisy, dusty, wet environmental working conditions

• Willing to work around industrial high-speed moving machinery

• Ability to work with allergens that might be present in a food environment

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must meet a minimum 18-year age qualification.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER (EOE)

General Mills is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or familial status, status regarding public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission.

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