Manufacturing Apprentice

HORST ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING CO; East Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

HORST Engineering & Manufacturing Co. offers a 16-week Manufacturing Apprentice program combining classroom instruction with hands-on shop floor training.

Apprentices rotate through multiple manufacturing areas to learn processes, safety practices, and daily operations in a high-precision aerospace environment. Under the guidance of experienced CNC Trainers and operators, participants develop technical skills and professional habits.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Ability to perform shop math (fractions/decimals, unit conversions).
• Comfortable using basic measurement tools such as a tape measure or ruler.
• Comfortable working around industrial machinery and learning safe practices.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to cleanliness and organization.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions in priority order.
• Dependable, punctual, and committed to learning within a structured program.
• Adaptable to new processes and open to continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Attend classroom and hands-on training sessions with our dedicated trainer(s).
• Take classroom style exams/quizzes to ensure understanding of essential manufacturing shop math, language, safety, etc.

Skills

Attention to detail

Punctual

Teamwork

Adaptable

Follow instructions

Shop math

Safety minded

Measurement tools

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Summary:

The Manufacturing Apprentice role is a temporary, 16-week learning program designed for individuals aspiring to build a career in aerospace manufacturing. This structured apprenticeship combines classroom instruction and hands-on shop floor training, providing the foundation to potentially advance into a Level 1 CNC Lathe Operator role upon successful completion of the program, if a role is available at the organization at the time of completion.

During the program, apprentices will rotate through multiple areas of the facility to gain exposure to essential manufacturing processes, safety practices, and daily operational routines. This immersive experience will prepare participants for the technical, organizational, and teamwork skills required in a high-precision aerospace environment.

The Manufacturing Apprentice works under the guidance of our CNC Trainer and experienced operators to develop technical skills while contributing to shop floor operations. The ideal candidate demonstrates attention to detail, strong motivation to learn, and a commitment to safety and organization.

This next cohort is set to start on October 3rd, 2026.

Program Highlights:

• Temporary position with a fixed 16-week term.
• Structured classroom learning and hands-on shop floor training.
• Exposure to a wide range of manufacturing processes.
• Preparation to advance into a Level 1 CNC Lathe Operator role.
• End date established at the conclusion of the program.

Essential Learning & Job Duties:

Throughout the program, apprentices will learn and practice:

• Attending classroom and hands on training sessions with our dedicated trainer(s)
• Take classroom style exams/quizzes to ensure understanding of essential manufacturing shop math, language, safety etc.
• Returning tools, kits, supplies, material, and consumables to proper inventory after job completion.
• Performing daily cleanliness, organization, topping off fluids, and standardization audits of machining centers.
• Emptying chip conveyors and disposing of chips into proper waste streams.
• Removing and cleaning residual debris (oil, chips, contaminants) from work centers and surroundings.
• Participating in inventory checks and stockroom organization tasks.
• Shadowing senior machine operators during production runs to observe and understand setups.
• Assisting facilities team with preventative maintenance of equipment.
• Supporting shipping with packaging, labeling, or cycle counts.
• Engaging in classroom instruction and hands‑on technical learning modules.
• Miscellaneous duties as assigned, all with a focus on learning and skill development.

Qualifications & Skills:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Ability to perform shop math (fractions/decimals, unit conversions).
• Comfortable using basic measurement tools such as a tape measure or ruler.
• Comfortable working around industrial machinery and learning safe practices.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to cleanliness and organization.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions in priority order.
• Dependable, punctual, and committed to learning within a structured program.
• Adaptable to new processes and open to continuous improvement.

Note: This is a temporary, structured apprenticeship program with a fixed 16-week duration. Successful participants will have the opportunity to apply for advancement into a Level 1 CNC Lathe Operator role at HORST Engineering following program completion.

Physical Demands:

Legend

N (Not applicable)

Activity is not applicable to this position

O (Occasionally)

Position requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0-2.5 hours/day)

F (Frequently)

Position requires this activity up to 66% of the time (2.5-5.5 hours/day)

C (Constantly)

Position requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hours/day)

• Lift/Carry 10-50lbs
• F
• Stand
• C
• Walk
• C
• Manually manipulate
• F
• Squat or kneel
• F
• Bend
• F
• Reach above shoulder
• F