Tray Former Apprentice - Clamshell - Day Shift (3 Day/12 Hour)

Southern Champion Tray Llc; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 31,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Champion Tray is seeking a Tray Former Apprentice for the Clamshell line on the Day Shift (3 Day/12 Hour). The role focuses on learning safe operation, setup support, packing, feeding, and quality inspection of clamshell hot melt equipment.

You will gain foundational knowledge of machine safety, product quality, material handling, and basic machine functions while supporting Operators and Leads in daily production activities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• 1–3 months related experience or training; or equivalent combination.
• Basic computer skills and ability to use software.
• Must have mechanical ability and skills.
• Manufacturing or packaging experience helpful but not required.
• Ability to work safely in a fast-paced production environment.
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Learn and follow all machine safety procedures and proper PPE.
• Support setup, packing, feeding, and quality checks.
• Learn to set up machines and adjust for safety, quality, and production standards.
• Assist with glue bonding adjustments and machine maintenance.
• Communicate with team members and supervisor about issues and improvements.
• Maintain clean work areas in compliance with 5S and Food Safety.

Skills

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Safety-conscious

Mechanical aptitude

Problem solving

Effective communication

Education

GED or high school diploma

Tools

CoCo radius system

PLC basics

TFC-7/TFC-8 equipment

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Tray Former Apprentice - Clamshell - Day Shift (3 Day/12 Hour)

Chattanooga, TN, US

3 days ago Requisition ID: 4035

All jobs at Southern Champion Tray (SCT) require Team members to act in accordance with the shared Core Values and Operating principles of the company as they perform specific job functions. These include:

• Trustworthy – We strive for our actions to match our words in all our relationships.
• Servant – Hearted – We enable and empower our team to serve the needs of customers, Team members, suppliers and the community.
• Relational – We aim to build healthy relationships while fostering and environment that promotes compassion, balance, and personal and professional growth.
• Resourceful – We value strategic insourcing, first looking to create solutions internally, and then looking to apply that knowledge to future opportunities.

SUMMARY

The Clamshell Operator Apprentice is an entry-level production role responsible for learning the safe operation, setup support, packing, feeding, and quality inspection processes for clamshell hot melt equipment. This role builds foundational knowledge of machine safety, product quality standards, material handling, and basic machine functions while supporting Operators and Leads in daily production activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Learns and follows all machine safety procedures, including proper use of cut gloves, identification of nip points, safety guards, E-stops, safety chains, and hot melt system safety
• Follows all safety related policies, rules, regulations, technical instructions, and guidelines at all times. Uses situational awareness and identify unsafe behaviors and conditions.
• Follows all instructions issued on the work jacket and advises supervisor of any incorrect or non-recorded information that is necessary for proper set-up and operation
• Follows all checklist procedures fully, stores all parts in their proper place, and recommends replacement or repair of worn parts by alerting lead, supervisor or maintenance
• Learns to set up machine in a consistent manner as instructed in the training program, follows the procedures with regard to proper set up unless the training is changed and properly recorded with regard to procedure
• Assists with setup activities including corrugated preparation, sticker placement, glue tank refills, salvage handling, recycling waste, and use of the down-stroke baler
• Learns to make machine adjustments in order to maintain machine at safety, quality, and production standards
• Learns feeding operations including shaking product, bending blanks when needed, filling the feed system, storing tie sheets, and calling stock pullers
• Supports packing operations by identifying good and bad trays, performing tape machine setup, completing line clearance procedures, and maintaining clean work areas
• Responsible for the quality of the product, packaging, labeling, and stocking
• Completes 20-minute sample checks and documents results using required computer procedures (i.e., print accuracy and quality, cuts, scores, glue application, folds, tray appearance)
• Uses computer system to log productivity and remarks on job, accurately completes production report and record production data and downtime
• Analyzes and corrects production problems, using all of the enhanced tools available contacting the supervisor for assistance when necessary
• Documents and reporta all non-conforming product to supervisor or lead or quality person
• Responsible for all equipment, tools assigned, and notifies the supervisor of any additional tools or equipment that would add to the efficiency and safety of the operation
• Learns sample storage procedures and use of pressure check systems such as ChampPaks
• Utilizes CoCo or Radius system for job lookup, login, item selection, and schedule review
• Learns how to read and understand job tickets including BPU, RPM, case count, stacking configuration, special instructions, and board caliper
• Learns machine start, jog, reverse jog, stop, and reset functions on TFC-7 and TFC-8 equipment
• Develops basic PLC knowledge including screen navigation, vacuum control, lane setup, speed changes, feed air functions, UV controls, and purge/test functions

Learns basic glue bonding adjustments including glue gun adjustments, compression rollers, and compression cages

• Learns to troubleshoot, diagnose, and assists in repair of machine malfunctions; performs routine cleaning, and maintenance
• Communicates well with other team members
• Wears appropriate PPE for the task and the area.
• Welcomes updates and improvements to processes and follow new procedures and innovations, which would add to the efficiency and safety of the operation
• Performs work in a manner that keeps down time to a minimum
• Keeps all necessary supplies available
• Maintains a clean work environment in accordance with Food Safety and 5S systems
• May be asked to help with duties in other areas or departments

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

DEVELOPMENT INDICATORS

• Consistently follows all safety procedures without reminders
• Correctly identifies quality defects and escalates concerns promptly
• Demonstrates understanding of machine startup, stop, and jog functions
• Completes packing and feeder support tasks with minimal supervision
• Accurately performs sample checks and documentation requirements
• Shows increased confidence using CoCo or Radius, job tickets, and PLC basic functions
• Maintains clean, organized work areas and supports line efficiency
• Demonstrates readiness to progress into independent machine setup support

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred
• One (1) to three (3) months’ related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Basic computer skills and possess ability to utilize software
• Must have mechanical ability and skills
• Manufacturing or packaging experience preferred but not required
• Ability to work safely in a fast-paced production environment
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Eighteen (18) years of age or older

• Successful completion of pre-employment drug screen, physical and background check

• Dependability

SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Self-motivated with ability to work under close supervision

• Ability to work satisfactorily as a Team Member and communicate with all levels within the company

• Ability to set, adjust and change daily priorities

• Ability to handle sudden changes in project/priority and multiple tasks simultaneously in a positive fashion

• Ability to manage conflict and resolve issues in the most positive fashion for all parties concerned

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Ability to read and understand documents, letters, etc. and write legibly in English.
• Ability to understand and speak clearly, communicate, and understand directions in English as needed.

All jobs at Southern Champion Tray (SCT) require Team members to act in accordance with the shared Core Values and Operating principles of the company as they perform specific job functions. These include:

• Trustworthy – We strive for our actions to match our words in all our relationships.
• Servant – Hearted – We enable and empower our team to serve the needs of customers, Team members, suppliers and the community.
• Relational – We aim to build healthy relationships while fostering and environment that promotes compassion, balance, and personal and professional growth.
• Resourceful – We value strategic insourcing, first looking to create solutions internally, and then looking to apply that knowledge to future opportunities.

SUMMARY

The Clamshell Operator Apprentice is an entry-level production role responsible for learning the safe operation, setup support, packing, feeding, and quality inspection processes for clamshell hot melt equipment. This role builds foundational knowledge of machine safety, product quality standards, material handling, and basic machine functions while supporting Operators and Leads in daily production activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Learns and follows all machine safety procedures, including proper use of cut gloves, identification of nip points, safety guards, E-stops, safety chains, and hot melt system safety
• Follows all safety related policies, rules, regulations, technical instructions, and guidelines at all times. Uses situational awareness and identify unsafe behaviors and conditions.
• Follows all instructions issued on the work jacket and advises supervisor of any incorrect or non-recorded information that is necessary for proper set-up and operation
• Follows all checklist procedures fully, stores all parts in their proper place, and recommends replacement or repair of worn parts by alerting lead, supervisor or maintenance
• Learns to set up machine in a consistent manner as instructed in the training program, follows the procedures with regard to proper set up unless the training is changed and properly recorded with regard to procedure
• Assists with setup activities including corrugated preparation, sticker placement, glue tank refills, salvage handling, recycling waste, and use of the down-stroke baler
• Learns to make machine adjustments in order to maintain machine at safety, quality, and production standards
• Learns feeding operations including shaking product, bending blanks when needed, filling the feed system, storing tie sheets, and calling stock pullers
• Supports packing operations by identifying good and bad trays, performing tape machine setup, completing line clearance procedures, and maintaining clean work areas
• Responsible for the quality of the product, packaging, labeling, and stocking
• Completes 20-minute sample checks and documents results using required computer procedures (i.e., print accuracy and quality, cuts, scores, glue application, folds, tray appearance)
• Uses computer system to log productivity and remarks on job, accurately completes production report and record production data and downtimeAnalyzes and corrects production problems, using all of the enhanced tools available contacting the supervisor for assistance when necessary
• Documents and reporta all non-conforming product to supervisor or lead or quality person
• Responsible for all equipment, tools assigned, and notifies the supervisor of any additional tools or equipment that would add to the efficiency and safety of the operation
• Learns sample storage procedures and use of pressure check systems such as ChampPaks
• Utilizes CoCo or Radius system for job lookup, login, item selection, and schedule review
• Learns how to read and understand job tickets including BPU, RPM, case count, stacking configuration, special instructions, and board caliper
• Learns machine start, jog, reverse jog, stop, and reset functions on TFC-7 and TFC-8 equipment
• Develops basic PLC knowledge including screen navigation, vacuum control, lane setup, speed changes, feed air functions, UV controls, and purge/test functions

• Learns basic glue bonding adjustments including glue gun adjustments, compression rollers, and compression cages

• Learns to troubleshoot, diagnose, and assists in repair of machine malfunctions; performs routine cleaning, and maintenance

• Communicates well with other team members
• Wears appropriate PPE for the task and the area.
• Welcomes updates and improvements to processes and follow new procedures and innovations, which would add to the efficiency and safety of the operation
• Performs work in a manner that keeps down time to a minimum
• Keeps all necessary supplies available
• Maintains a clean work environment in accordance with Food Safety and 5S systems
• May be asked to help with duties in other areas or departments

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

DEVELOPMENT INDICATORS

• Consistently follows all safety procedures without reminders
• Correctly identifies quality defects and escalates concerns promptly
• Demonstrates understanding of machine startup, stop, and jog functions
• Completes packing and feeder support tasks with minimal supervision
• Accurately performs sample checks and documentation requirements
• Shows increased confidence using CoCo or Radius, job tickets, and PLC basic functions
• Maintains clean, organized work areas and supports line efficiency
• Demonstrates readiness to progress into independent machine setup support

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred
• One (1) to three (3) months’ related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Basic computer skills and possess ability to utilize software
• Must have mechanical ability and skills
• Manufacturing or packaging experience preferred but not required
• Ability to work safely in a fast-paced production environment
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Eighteen (18) years of age or older

• Successful completion of pre-employment drug screen, physical and background check

• Dependability

SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Self-motivated with ability to work under close supervision

• Ability to work satisfactorily as a Team Member and communicate with all levels within the company

• Ability to set, adjust and change daily priorities

• Ability to handle sudden changes in project/priority and multiple tasks simultaneously in a positive fashion

• Ability to manage conflict and resolve issues in the most positive fashion for all parties concerned

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Ability to read and understand documents, letters, etc. and write legibly in English.
• Ability to understand and speak clearly, communicate, and understand directions in English as needed.

Day Shift (3 Day/12 Hour) - 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM EST - Red Team

Amnicola Plant - 2601 Riverport Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37406