Tooling Apprentice - Nights

Placon Corporation; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k)

Short and long-term disability

Life insurance

FSA/HSA options

Profit sharing

Paid holidays

Vacation

Employee Assistance Program

Night shift premium

Job summary

Placon Corporation in Madison, WI is seeking a Tooling Apprentice to learn machining, tool maintenance, and precision manufacturing. No prior tooling experience is required; training and mentorship are provided to develop skilled trades abilities.

The role includes hands-on work with CNC mills, lathes, grinders, and measurement tasks on a rotating 12-hour shift, with day training transitioning to night shift. Competitive benefits and growth opportunities are offered.

Qualifications

• No prior tooling experience required; willing to train a candidate with mechanical aptitude and strong work ethic.
• Demonstrated interest in machining, tooling, and precision manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Assist with fabrication, modification, maintenance, and repair of production tools and components using CNC mills, manual mills, lathes, grinders, drill presses, and other equipment
• Perform bench work including sanding, fitting, finishing, and tool prep
• Support tool inspections to ensure quality repairs and cost-effective tooling solutions
• Troubleshoot tooling and production-related issues and help implement effective solutions
• Provide machine shop support to other departments as needed
• Follow tooling schedules and adjust priorities to meet deadlines
• Participate in continuous improvement to boost productivity and quality
• Maintain a safe, organized work environment and comply with safety standards
• Support Tool Vault and Sample Lab activities when required

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Willingness to learn

Math basics

Education

High school diploma or GED

Enrollment in technical/mfg program

Tools

CNC mills

Lathe

Grinder

Drill press

Blueprint reading

Job description

• 20.00-26.00 per hour Bi-weekly pay and competitive night shift premiums provided
• Hourly
• Full Time
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), short and long term disability, life insurance, FSA/HSA options, profit sharing, paid holidays, vacation, EAP, and profit sharing

We're looking for a motivated Tooling Apprentice to join our Madison, WI tooling team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working with their hands, solving mechanical problems, and learning a skilled trade. No prior tooling experience is required for the right candidate. We are willing to train individuals who demonstrate mechanical aptitude, a strong work ethic, reliability, and a desire to build a long-term career in manufacturing. Whether you're a recent high school graduate, a technical school student, or someone looking to start a new career path, we'll provide the training and mentorship needed to help you succeed.

If you're eager to learn machining, tool maintenance, CNC equipment, blueprint reading, and precision manufacturing in a supportive team environment, we'd love to hear from you

Compensation

Starting hourly range is $20.00 - $26.00 per hour.

The successful candidate will train on days before transitioning to the assigned Rotational 12-hour shift (6:00 PM- 6:00 AM)

Work Schedule

Rotational 12-hour shift | 2 days on, 2 days off, 3 days on, 2 days off

• Night shift: 6 PM- 6 AM

Employees working this rotating schedule can earn up to an additional $2,882.88 annually compared to a traditional 8-hour shift schedule .

Why Placon - You'll Love It Here

• Work with advanced machining and tooling equipment in a modern manufacturing environment
• Develop valuable skills in CNC machining, tool fabrication, maintenance, and repair
• Join a collaborative team focused on continuous improvement and problem-solving
• Opportunities for ongoing training, development, and career growth
• Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits package
• Direct impact on production success through tooling support and innovation

What You'll Do

• Assist with the fabrication, modification, maintenance, and repair of production tools and mechanical components using CNC mills, manual mills, lathes, grinders, drill presses, and other machine shop equipment
• Perform bench work including sanding, fitting, finishing, and tool
• Support tool inspections to ensure quality repairs, rebuilds, and cost-effective tooling solutions
• Troubleshoot tooling and production-related issues and help implement effective solutions
• Assist departments across the facility by providing machine shop support as needed
• Follow tooling schedules and adjust priorities to meet internal and external customer deadlines
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, quality, and efficiency
• Maintain a safe, organized, and clean work environment while complying with company safety and quality standards
• Support Tool Vault and Sample Lab activities when required

What You Bring

• High school diploma, GED, or current enrollment in a technical, manufacturing, machine tool, or skilled trades program preferred
• Interest in machining, manufacturing, tooling, mechanical systems, or hands-on skilled trades careers
• Desire to learn how to operate machine shop equipment, read blueprints, and build technical skills through on-the-job training
• Mechanical aptitude and enjoyment of working with tools, equipment, and problem-solving activities
• Basic math skills and willingness to learn shop math concepts used in manufacturing environments
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work
• Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and eagerness to learn from experienced Tool Makers and Machinists
• Ability to follow safety procedures, work instructions, and quality standards
• Comfortable using computers and learning manufacturing software and systems
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and communicate professionally with coworkers
• Ability to stand for extended periods and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds
• Previous manufacturing, machining, automotive, construction, maintenance, agricultural, robotics, STEM, shop class, or technical school experience is helpful, but not required
• We welcome recent high school graduates, technical college students, career changers, and individuals looking to start a long-term career in tooling and manufacturing

Does this sound like you?

Placon employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug test, basic physical, background check, educational verification, and reference checks (as applicable).

Placon requires that employees have and maintain authorization to work in the country in which the role is based. In general, Placon does not sponsor candidates for non-immigrant visas or permanent residency unless based on business need.

Placon is committed to equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or other protected characteristics.

This role requires the ability to work through differing perspectives and resolve conflict in a respectful and professional manner consistent with The Placon Way.