Tool Room - Apprentice

Vari-Form Manufacturing Inc.; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Vari-Form Manufacturing Inc. in Grand Rapids, MI is seeking a Tool Room Apprentice to participate in on-the-job training and technical instruction to become a qualified Tool Room Technician.

You will assist with inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of plastic injection molds, learn to read blueprints, and safely operate machine shop equipment to support production efficiency and equipment reliability.

Qualifications

• Highschool Diploma required.
• Motivated; able to work independently or as part of a team.
• Experience with Bridgeport work is expected.
• Ability to multi-task and establish priorities.
• Must be proficient troubleshooting plastic injection molds both in the tool room, and at the press. This includes assessing hot runner and valve gate manifold issues.
• Able to read drawings to machine parts from, or have ability to machine to print.
• Ability to perform proficient polishing on a class A surface without supervision.
• Highly flexible, with solid interpersonal skills that allow one to work effectively in a diverse working environment.
• Able to communicate effectively in both verbally and in writing.
• Read tool drawing/schematics of hot runner manifolds and water systems
• Understand basic injection molding tool functions i.e. lifter, retractor, hook slides and how they work in the tool.
• Understanding of electrical wiring
• Understanding basic plumbing (changing out hoses and air lines)
• Know how to use a lathe
• Know how to read blue prints and draw basic sketches
• Ability to read measuring tape, micrometers, and calipers
• Ability to use band saws, table saws, miter saws
• Willingness to take related classes at a local college of Ventra’s choosing

Responsibilities

• Assist with inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of plastic injection molds.
• Identify mold damage, wear, defects, and other conditions that may affect production, part quality, or equipment performance.
• Operate machine shop equipment safely: surface grinders, Bridgeport milling machines, lathes, saws, and other applicable tooling equipment.
• Learn proper machine setup, tool selection, feeds and speeds, measuring techniques, and machining practices.
• Assist with grinding, machining, fitting, polishing, and modifying mold components under appropriate supervision.
• Read blueprints, tool drawings, schematics, and technical documentation to support tooling repairs and manufacturing of replacement components.
• Develop understanding of plastic injection mold functions and components, including lifters, retractors, hook slides, hot runner systems, valve gates, and water systems.
• Assist with troubleshooting mold-related issues in the Tool Room and at the press, as trained and authorized.
• Learn to identify basic electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and plumbing issues associated with injection molds and related equipment.
• Develop proficiency in using precision measuring instruments, including micrometers, calipers, and other applicable measurement tools.
• Assist with welding, polishing, and surface repair activities as skills and training permit.
• Learn to perform preventative maintenance in accordance with established schedules, procedures, and departmental requirements.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to tooling repairs, inspections, preventative maintenance, and completed work.
• Follow all applicable safety procedures and maintain clean, organized, and orderly work areas.
• Recognize unsafe conditions, equipment concerns, and potential quality issues and promptly report them to the appropriate supervisor.
• Participate in required technical instruction, apprenticeship coursework, practical training, and skills assessments.
• Identify opportunities to improve mold reliability, reduce downtime, and improve maintenance practices as knowledge and experience develop.
• Work collaboratively with Tool Room personnel, Production, Process Technicians, and other departments to support facility needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Focus on Working Safely

Team Work

Problem Solving

Accountability

Ethics & Integrity

Analytical

Tooling & Mechanical Experience

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Bridgeport milling

Lathe

Surface grinder

Band saw

Table saw

Miter saw

Calipers

Micrometers

Blueprint reading

Job description

Summary

The Tool Room Apprentice participates in on-the-job training and technical instruction to develop the skills necessary to become a qualified Tool Room Technician. Under the guidance of experienced tool room personnel, the apprentice assists with the inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of plastic injection molds and related tooling.

The apprentice will learn to safely operate machine shop equipment, interpret technical drawings, identify tooling issues, and perform mold maintenance and repairs. The position requires a commitment to developing technical skills, following established safety procedures, and working effectively with the Tool Room team to support production efficiency and equipment reliability.

Core Competencies

• Communication
• Focus on Working Safely
• Team Work
• Problem Solving
• Accountability and Dependability
• Ethics and Integrity
• Analytical
• Tooling and Mechanical Experience

Flex-N-Gate Training Requirements

• CHRF.00003 New Employee Orientation
• CSA Z142.02 Std. For Press Operation
• Monitoring & Measuring
• Specific Facility Standards Training
• Lockout / Tag-Out Training
• Equipment Maintenance
• Scissor Lift

• Workplace Inspection Training

Job Duties

• Assist experienced tool room personnel with the inspection, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of plastic injection molds.
• Learn to identify mold damage, wear, defects, and other conditions that may affect production, part quality, or equipment performance.
• Develop proficiency in the safe operation and use of machine shop equipment, including surface grinders, Bridgeport milling machines, lathes, saws, and other applicable tooling equipment.
• Learn proper machine setup, tool selection, feeds and speeds, measuring techniques, and machining practices.
• Assist with grinding, machining, fitting, polishing, and modifying mold components under appropriate supervision.
• Learn to read and interpret blueprints, tool drawings, schematics, and technical documentation to support tooling repairs and manufacturing of replacement components.
• Develop an understanding of plastic injection mold functions and components, including lifters, retractors, hook slides, hot runner systems, valve gates, and water systems.
• Assist with troubleshooting mold-related issues in the Tool Room and at the press, as trained and authorized.
• Learn to identify basic electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and plumbing issues associated with injection molds and related equipment.
• Develop proficiency in using precision measuring instruments, including micrometers, calipers, and other applicable measurement tools.
• Assist with welding, polishing, and surface repair activities as skills and training permit.
• Learn to perform preventative maintenance in accordance with established schedules, procedures, and departmental requirements.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to tooling repairs, inspections, preventative maintenance, and completed work.
• Follow all applicable safety procedures and maintain clean, organized, and orderly work areas.
• Recognize unsafe conditions, equipment concerns, and potential quality issues and promptly report them to the appropriate supervisor.
• Participate in required technical instruction, apprenticeship coursework, practical training, and skills assessments.
• Identify opportunities to improve mold reliability, reduce downtime, and improve maintenance practices as knowledge and experience develop.
• Work collaboratively with Tool Room personnel, Production, Process Technicians, and other departments to support facility needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Highschool Diploma required
• Highly motivated; able to work independently or as part of a team.
• Experience with Bridgeport work is expected.
• Ability to multi-task and establish priorities.
• Must be proficient troubleshooting plastic injection molds both in the tool room, and at the press. This includes assessing hot runner and valve gate manifold issues.
• Ability to independently seek out and suggest downtime reduction activities and projects.
• Able to create and read drawings to machine parts from, or have ability to machine to print.
• Ability to perform proficient polishing on a class A surface without supervision.
• Highly flexible, with solid interpersonal skills that allow one to work effectively in a diverse working environment.
• Able to communicate effectively in both verbally and in writing.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Read tool drawing/schematics of hot runner manifolds and water systems
• Understand basic injection molding tool functions i.e. lifter, retractor, hook slides and how they work in the tool.
• Understanding of electrical wiring
• Understanding basic plumbing (changing out hoses and air lines)
• Know how to use a lathe
• Know how to read blue prints and draw basic sketches
• Ability to read measuring tape, micrometers, and calipers
• Ability to use band saws, table saws, miter saws
• Willingness to take related classes at a local college of Ventra’s choosing

Work Conditions

• Ability to lift up to 75 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation, if this is an essential job function.
• Work primarily in an industrial tool room and manufacturing environment, with occasional work in other facility areas or outdoors as needed.
• Exposure to industrial machinery, machining equipment, noise, metalworking materials, and other hazards associated with the trade.
• Required use of appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety footwear, safety glasses, and other equipment as required by the task and facility.
• Ability to perform physical tasks associated with tool room work, with reasonable accommodation where applicable.