Technical School Maintenance Trainee

Position Summary:
The Technical School Maintenance Trainee is responsible for applying classroom learning in a hands-on manufacturing environment while developing the skills necessary to maintain production equipment and facility systems. This role supports equipment reliability, continuous improvement initiatives, and safe manufacturing operations through practical experience in electrical and mechanical maintenance.

As a Technical School Maintenance Trainee, you will build the foundation for a successful maintenance career by working alongside experienced maintenance professionals while applying what you are learning in technical school. You will gain exposure to troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, equipment reliability, and continuous improvement practices that help keep our operations running safely and efficiently. Your willingness to learn and grow will contribute to the long-term success of our people, equipment, and production operations.

• Assist in maintaining manufacturing equipment and facility systems in a safe, reliable, and productive condition.
• Support electrical and mechanical maintenance activities under the guidance of experienced maintenance team members.
• Assist with equipment breakdown troubleshooting and repair activities.
• Learn and apply autonomous maintenance concepts, including:
  • Cleaning
  • Inspection
  • Lubrication (CIL)
  • Basic tool and parts usage
• Support planned and unplanned maintenance activities.

• Apply technical school training to real-world maintenance situations.
• Attend required classes, seminars, and plant training programs to continue building technical skills.
• Learn maintenance best practices, troubleshooting methods, and equipment reliability concepts.
• Develop an understanding of:
  • Electrical schematics
  • Mechanical drawings
  • Single-line electrical diagrams
  • Pneumatic systems
  • Hydraulic systems
  • Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)

• Assist with documenting maintenance activities and work findings using the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Accurately record work completed, findings, and observations.
• Utilize computers and maintenance systems to access manuals, specifications, and technical resources.

• Follow all maintenance and plant safety procedures, including:
  • Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
  • Arc Flash Safety
  • Hot Work Permits
  • Confined Space Entry
  • Fall Protection
• Comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and food safety requirements.
• Properly use and maintain required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Support a safe, clean, and organized work environment.

• Assist in identifying opportunities to improve equipment reliability and maintenance effectiveness.
• Learn basic problem-solving methodologies, including:
  • Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
  • Breakdown Failure Analysis (BDA)
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and team discussions.

• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

In this role, you will collaborate with:

• Maintenance Technicians
• Electricians and Mechanics
• Maintenance Supervisors
• Maintenance Planners
• Production Team Members
• Engineering and Reliability Teams
• Safety and Quality Teams
• Technical School Instructors and Program Coordinators

You will gain valuable experience by working alongside skilled maintenance professionals in a team-based manufacturing environment.

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Currently enrolled in a Technical School program with a maintenance, industrial technology, electrical, mechanical, mechatronics, automation, or related curriculum.
• Ability to pass the site-specific maintenance interview assessment.
• Basic understanding of mechanical and electrical principles.
• Strong desire to learn industrial maintenance skills and manufacturing equipment systems.
• Ability to read and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic mathematical skills, including:
  • Addition
  • Subtraction
  • Multiplication
  • Division
  • Fractions and decimals
• Basic computer skills with the ability to enter data and navigate maintenance systems.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-based environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety.
• Valid Driver's License.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Forklift and Aerial Lift certifications.

• Coursework in:
  • Industrial Maintenance
  • Electrical Technology
  • Mechanical Technology
  • Mechatronics
  • Automation Technology
  • Manufacturing Technology
• Previous hands-on experience with tools, equipment repairs, automotive repair, manufacturing, construction, farming, military maintenance, or related mechanical work.
• Familiarity with:
  • PLCs
  • Electrical schematics
  • Hydraulics
  • Pneumatics
  • Motors and drives
• Experience using hand tools, power tools, and precision measuring equipment.
• Exposure to CMMS systems or maintenance work order software.
• Previous internship, co-op, apprenticeship, or maintenance-related work experience.

• Manufacturing environment with exposure to production equipment and facility systems.
• Frequent standing, walking, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and reaching.
• Regular use of hands for handling tools, equipment, and materials.
• Exposure to noise, moving equipment, vibration, dust, and varying temperatures.
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Requires close attention to safety procedures and operational standards.