Paid Training & Apprenticeship Program (Industrial Machine Builder)

The Steel Network; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The Steel Network in Durham, NC offers a paid training and apprenticeship program for aspiring industrial machine builders. Learn to build, assemble, troubleshoot, modify, and improve specialized equipment through supervised, hands-on training and coaching, with progression based on demonstrated proficiency.

Participants gain exposure to mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, fabrication, and automation disciplines, with cross‑training, safety emphasis, and opportunities for increased responsibility

Qualifications

• Strong mechanical aptitude and genuine interest in understanding how machines work.
• Comfort using hand tools and a willingness to learn power tools and industrial equipment safely.
• Basic mathematical, measuring, reading, and communication skills.
• Ability to follow instructions, ask thoughtful questions, accept coaching, and apply feedback.
• Careful attention to safety, quality, detail, and completion.
• Reliability, humility, initiative, and respect for coworkers, customers, equipment, and resources.
• Interest in developing a long‑term, high‑skill career rather than simply filling a short‑term job.

Job description

Industrial Machine Builder
Paid Training & Apprenticeship Program

Learn multiple skilled trades. Build real industrial equipment. Advance through demonstrated proficiency.

The Opportunity

You do not need to arrive already proficient in every discipline. This program is designed to develop capable, motivated individuals through supervised, hands‑on training, coaching, structured skill development, and progressively challenging work. You will learn how to build, assemble, troubleshoot, modify, and improve specialized industrial equipment, machinery, products, and systems.

The goal is to help each participant progress from foundational competence to high‑level proficiency across several in‑demand technical areas. Advancement and increased responsibility will be based on demonstrated skill, safety, reliability, quality, and readiness to perform more complex work.

What You Will Learn

• Mechanical assembly, machine building, precision fitting, alignment, and installation
• Electrical fundamentals, wiring, motors, controls, sensors, and systematic troubleshooting
• Pneumatic systems, industrial plumbing, fittings, valves, and component installation
• Automation fundamentals and the integration of controls with mechanical equipment
• Fabrication, welding, cutting, measuring, drilling, and safe use of shop equipment
• Reading and applying drawings, schematics, bills of materials, and work instructions
• Diagnosing equipment problems and identifying practical, safe, and durable solutions
• Building and improving custom machinery from concept and components through testing and completion
• Quality control, documentation, preventive maintenance, housekeeping, and responsible stewardship of tools and materials

How the Program Works

• Paid, hands‑on learning while working alongside experienced builders, technicians, fabricators, and leaders
• A structured progression from safety and foundational shop skills to increasingly advanced machine‑building assignments
• Cross‑training across mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, fabrication, automation, and troubleshooting disciplines
• Frequent coaching, practical skill checks, and feedback tied to clearly defined proficiency milestones
• Opportunities to earn increased responsibility and compensation as skills, independence, and value to the team grow
• Support for CPR/BLS certification, continuing education, leadership development, and People First principles

Who Should Apply

This program is intended for individuals with strong hands‑on potential, whether that aptitude was developed through school, military service, manufacturing, construction, automotive work, maintenance, farming, technical hobbies, or another practical setting. Prior machine‑building experience is helpful, but mastery of every listed skill is not required at entry.

• Strong mechanical aptitude and genuine interest in understanding how machines work
• Comfort using hand tools and a willingness to learn power tools and industrial equipment safely
• Basic mathematical, measuring, reading, and communication skills
• Ability to follow instructions, ask thoughtful questions, accept coaching, and apply feedback
• Careful attention to safety, quality, detail, and completion
• Reliability, humility, initiative, and respect for coworkers, customers, equipment, and resources
• Interest in developing a long‑term, high‑skill career rather than simply filling a short‑term job

What Success Looks Like

Successful participants will steadily demonstrate the ability to:

• Work safely and consistently within established procedures
• Complete assigned tasks accurately with decreasing levels of supervision
• Connect mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, automation, and fabrication concepts
• Troubleshoot problems logically instead of relying on guesswork
• Communicate clearly about progress, risks, materials, and technical issues
• Take ownership of workmanship and contribute ideas that improve equipment, processes, and reliability

Compensation & Career Progression

This is intended to be a paid training and employment pathway. Starting compensation should be stated in the final posting and will be based on the selected candidate’s relevant experience and demonstrated entry‑level capability. Participants will have defined opportunities for compensation review as they achieve documented skill milestones and assume greater responsibility.

• Development Stage

  Primary Focus

  Progress Indicator

• Foundation

  Safety, tools, measuring, drawings, basic assembly

  Performs foundational tasks safely and accurately

• Developing Builder

  Cross‑trade assembly and supervised troubleshooting

  Completes broader assignments with reduced supervision

• Proficient Machine Builder

  Independent builds, diagnostics, modifications, and improvement work

  Demonstrates consistent quality, judgment, and ownership

You Are Not Just Taking a Job

At TSN, this program exists at the intersection of technical excellence, machine building, and manufacturing integrity. We believe meaningful work includes building people as well as machines. Our commitment to glorify God through our work drives us to invest intentionally in each team member’s professional, personal, and intellectual growth, while honoring the inherent dignity and worth every person brings to the workplace.

Who We Are and Why We Exist

TSN’s leadership strives to honor God through the way we serve employees, customers, and the community. Our culture is grounded in the conviction that every person is created in the image of God and therefore possesses intrinsic dignity, worth, reason, responsibility, and untapped potential. We are unapologetically a People First organization, not as a slogan, but as our operating system.

Our mission is to deliver high‑quality, precision‑built steel fabrication and manufacturing solutions through a vertically integrated production model while building a culture where people have the opportunity to grow and flourish personally, professionally, intellectually, and, where meaningful to them individually, spiritually, with excellence and joy, all for the glory of God and the good of those we serve.

Equal Opportunity & Non-Discrimination

TSN operates from value‑driven leadership principles, including Christian faith traditions held by the organization, while remaining an Equal Opportunity Employer to individuals of all beliefs. We welcome qualified applicants of all faiths, beliefs, races, ethnicities, national origins, sexes, ages, disabilities, veteran statuses, and backgrounds.

Employment decisions are made based upon qualifications, character, professionalism, performance, and organizational needs, never upon an individual’s religion, creed, race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other protected classification under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Our leadership culture is grounded in biblical principles including humility, stewardship, compassion, integrity, and service to others. No employee or applicant is required to share any religious belief or participate in religious activity as a condition of employment.

If you have the aptitude, discipline, and desire to master valuable technical skills, we would be honored to meet you.