Mill Trainee

Smurfit Westrock; West Point (VA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive starting wage

Benefits after one month

Training & development

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock in West Point, VA is seeking motivated individuals for Mill Trainee positions in our paper mill. This entry-level role supports mill operations, learns essential skills, and offers a pathway to long-term manufacturing careers.

You will work in a safety-conscious team environment, with opportunities for advancement based on ability and seniority. Candidates must be prepared for rotating 8-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of work experience.
• Willingness to work rotating 8-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks (lifting, bending, climbing, kneeling, etc.).
• Excellent communication skills and basic computer proficiency.
• Desire to learn, grow, and progress into advanced mill positions.
• Reliable, dependable, and a strong team player with a positive attitude.

Responsibilities

• Learn and perform basic work functions in assigned mill departments.
• Safely assist senior operators with tasks such as operating valves, unloading coal cars, and general department cleanup.
• Participate actively in all department safety programs.
• Operate safely around large moving equipment and vehicles.
• Provide vacancy relief and support across various mill areas as needed.

Skills

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Communication skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Basic computer proficiency

Job description

Description & Requirements

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.

Our Company Values

Safety – We value safety and life above all.

From protecting each other and anticipating dangers, to creating a safe space where we can all speak openly, there are many ways to show how we value safety.

Loyalty – We value our mutual commitment.

From a team going above and beyond for a client and supporting a colleague in need, to our shared commitment to being a good company achieving great things, there are many ways to show our loyalty to each other and our common purpose.

Integrity – We value doing the right thing, always.me

From doing the right thing when no one is looking and striving for greater quality, consistency, and reliability, to making difficult decisions with humility and care, there are many ways for integrity to show up in our work.

Respect – We value and respect everyone.

We treat everyone with respect, without exception. We recognize and celebrate the differences that make each of us the unique individuals we are. We take the time to listen deeply to one another and care for the people, communities and customers who place their trust in us. Respect is the foundation of everything we do.

The Opportunity

We are seeking motivated individuals to join our team as Mill Trainees at our West Point, VA Paper Mill. This entry-level production role offers a pathway to a long-term career in manufacturing, with opportunities for advancement based on ability and seniority. You’ll be part of a safety-conscious team environment, supporting mill operations and learning the skills needed to grow within the company.

How You Will Impact Smurfit Westrock

• Learn and perform basic work functions in assigned mill departments.
• Safely assist senior operators with tasks such as operating valves, unloading coal cars, and general department cleanup.
• Participate actively in all department safety programs.
• Operate safely around large moving equipment and vehicles.
• Provide vacancy relief and support across various mill areas as needed.

What You Need To Succeed

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum of two (2) years of work experience.
• Strong commitment to safety and quality.
• Willingness to work rotating 8-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks (lifting, bending, climbing, kneeling, etc.).
• Excellent communication skills and basic computer proficiency.
• Desire to learn, grow, and progress into advanced mill positions.
• Reliable, dependable, and a strong team player with a positive attitude.

What We Offer

• Competitive starting hourly wage with progressive increases ($23.34 - $26.00), typically in 6-8 weeks.
• Excellent benefits package available after one month of employment.
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities.
• A corporate culture rooted in Integrity, Respect, Accountability, and Excellence.
• A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety, and Inclusion are foundational to our daily work.

Additional Information

This is an entry level position in a union facility that follows a line of progression. Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.