Robotic/PLC Apprenticeship

Flex N Gate; Ionia (MI); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Flex-N-Gate is seeking a Controls Apprentice in Michigan to develop hands-on skills for installing, calibrating, debugging, and maintaining automated industrial equipment. Under supervision, you will assist with automation projects, equipment start-ups, and troubleshooting while progressing through structured apprenticeship training.

The program emphasizes safety, quality, and continuous improvement, with training across controls, electrical systems, and automation technologies.

Qualifications

• Willingness to learn and grow in an industrial automation environment.
• Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude with safety focus.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and ability to work in a team.

Responsibilities

• Assist with installation, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of automated equipment.
• Learn to diagnose electrical, hardware, software, and instrumentation issues under supervision.
• Support retrofits and modifications to existing systems and participate in start-up activities.
• Develop understanding of PLCs, HMIs, sensors, drives, and related devices.
• Document results and maintain automation process records.
• Participate in preventative and corrective maintenance.
• Contribute to on-the-job training and apprenticeship requirements.

Skills

Communication & people skills

Willingness to Learn

Problem Solving

Technical Aptitude

Analytical Thinking

Mechanical Aptitude

Electrical Aptitude

Manual Dexterity

Accountability

Teamwork

Tools

PLC systems

HMI/SCADA

Instrumentation

Job description

Summary

A Controls Apprentice is responsible for developing the knowledge and hands‑on skills necessary to support the installation, calibration, troubleshooting, and maintenance of automated industrial machinery. Under the direction of experienced Controls Technicians, Engineers, and other qualified personnel, the Controls Apprentice will assist with automation projects, equipment start‑ups, troubleshooting, and maintenance activities while progressing through the required apprenticeship training.

Summary

A Controls Apprentice is responsible for developing the knowledge and hands‑on skills necessary to support the installation, calibration, troubleshooting, and maintenance of automated industrial machinery. Under the direction of experienced Controls Technicians, Engineers, and other qualified personnel, the Controls Apprentice will assist with automation projects, equipment start‑ups, troubleshooting, and maintenance activities while progressing through the required apprenticeship training.

The successful Controls Apprentice demonstrates a willingness to learn, strong problem‑solving abilities, mechanical and electrical aptitude, and a commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Core Competencies

• Communication and People Skills
• Willingness to Learn
• Problem Solving
• Technical Aptitude
• Analytical Thinking
• Mechanical and Electrical Aptitude
• Manual Dexterity
• Accountability and Dependability
• Attention to Detail
• Ability to Work as Part of a Team

Flex-N-Gate Training Requirements

The Controls Apprentice will complete applicable company, safety, quality, environmental, and technical training, including:

• CHRF.00003 New Employee Orientation
• Lock Out/Tag Out Training
• Pre-Start Health and Safety Training
• Machine Guarding Training
• Environmental Review of Projects
• Contractor Environmental Control
• Control of Hazardous Materials
• Confined Space Entry
• Hazard Identification Training
• Hot Work Permit
• Spill Response
• CMS – ICBOM, ICICIC, PCPMTH
• Master Procedure Flow
• APQP & Design
• Equipment Procurement
• Non-Conforming Material
• Corrective Action
• FMEA
• ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and applicable Customer Specific Requirements
• Quality Management Systems – CQAM.00001 Quality Management Systems Manual
• Additional controls, automation, electrical, and technical training as required by the apprenticeship program

Job Duties

• Assist Controls Technicians and Engineers with the installation, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of automated industrial equipment.
• Learn to diagnose and troubleshoot electrical, hardware, software, instrumentation, PLC, and automation-related issues under appropriate supervision.
• Assist with the installation of retrofits and modifications to existing automated systems.
• Support equipment start‑up activities and learn proper start‑up and commissioning procedures.
• Assist with testing new processes and automated equipment.
• Develop an understanding of PLCs, HMIs, sensors, instrumentation, drives, and other devices used to operate automated equipment.
• Assist with maintaining and updating automation processes and related documentation.
• Follow established testing procedures and assist with documenting results.
• Learn to identify potential equipment, controls, quality, and safety issues and communicate concerns to appropriate personnel.
• Participate in preventative and corrective maintenance activities related to automated equipment.
• Assist with the implementation of controls and automation projects as assigned.
• Work toward developing the skills and knowledge necessary to independently perform Controls Technician responsibilities upon successful completion of the apprenticeship.
• Participate in on-the-job training, classroom instruction, and other apprenticeship requirements.
• Maintain a safe work environment and follow all applicable safety procedures, including Lock Out/Tag Out and required PPE.
• May participate in after‑hours or emergency support activities as training and competency progress, as assigned and under appropriate supervision.
• The incumbent is responsible for the awareness, understanding, specific responsibilities, and management of the Environmental Management System (EMS) as stated in EMS policy CEVPL.00005.
• The incumbent is responsible for the awareness, understanding, specific responsibilities, and management of the Quality Management System (QMS) as stated in CQAM.00001 – Corporate Quality Manual.

Apprenticeship Development Expectations

• Progress through the established apprenticeship training program and demonstrate continued development of technical skills.
• Apply classroom and on-the-job training to real‑world industrial automation applications.
• Develop proficiency in electrical, electronic, mechanical, controls, and automation fundamentals.
• Demonstrate increasing independence as knowledge, skills, and competency are developed.
• Seek guidance when performing unfamiliar or higher‑risk tasks.
• Maintain required training records, certifications, and apprenticeship documentation.
• Demonstrate safe work practices and adherence to company policies and procedures.
• Successfully complete assigned training and competency requirements within the apprenticeship program.

Working Conditions

• Physical ability to lift up to 60 lbs.
• Manual dexterity required.
• Overtime as required.
• Industrial workplace where PPE is required.
• May work around moving machinery, electrical equipment, elevated temperatures, noise, and other manufacturing‑related hazards.
• May be required to work various shifts and participate in after‑hours support as training and competency permit.

This job description is not inclusive. The duties, experience, functions, and any other descriptions herein may be changed at any time, and other duties may be assigned as necessary. The company reserves the right to add, delete, or otherwise alter these responsibilities when and as necessary.