Plastic Fabricator Apprentice (Machine Shop/Manufacturing Background Preferred)

Position Summary

The Plastic Fabricator Apprentice supports the fabrication, assembly, and finishing of plastic components in a production environment. This entry-level role learns safe shop practices, how to read drawings and work orders, and how to produce parts that meet tolerance, fit, and finish requirements. Parts may be produced from common plastics such as PVC, HDPE, acrylic, polycarbonate, and similar materials. Prior exposure to a machine shop or manufacturing environment—including measuring tools, deburring/finishing, drill press/band saw, and assisting or observing CNC operations—is a plus.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1.    Read, understand, and follow work orders, engineering drawings, and specifications to determine fabrication methods required to meet part tolerances, fit, and finish.

2.    Fabricate, thermal bond, assemble, and finish plastic components to internal quality standards.

3.    Safely use shop equipment and hand/power tools (e.g., saws, routers, drills, sanders, welders/thermal bonding tools) to produce parts to specification.

4.    Identify, select, and handle common plastic materials (e.g., PVC, HDPE, acrylic, polycarbonate) and follow handling/labeling requirements.

5.    Use measuring instruments (e.g., tape measure, calipers, micrometers, height gauge as applicable) to verify dimensions and record inspection results per the quality program.

6.    Trim, drill, countersink, deburr, and finish parts using templates, fixtures, hand tools, and power tools.

7.    Support basic machine shop-style operations as needed (e.g., drill press, band saw, belt sander, simple fixturing/part holding, and safe material handling).

8.    Assist with CNC-related tasks under supervision (e.g., load/unload parts, observe setups, verify program revisions per work order, perform basic in-process checks, and support tool/fixture changeovers as trained).

9.    Identify nonconforming conditions, communicate issues to the lead/supervisor, and participate in corrective actions.

10. Accurately track job labor, material usage, and other required production records.

11. Follow company procedures and maintain a safe, organized work area; contribute to equipment care, preventive maintenance, and shop cleanliness (5S).

12. Work cooperatively with team members; communicate constraints, ask questions, and support continuous improvement.

13. Perform miscellaneous tasks to support manufacturing, engineering, quality, and quoting activities as assigned.

Job Requirements, Skills, & Experience

•                High school diploma or GED required; technical degree/certificate (manufacturing, machining, plastics, welding, etc.) preferred.

•                0–2 years of fabrication, manufacturing, plastics, or machine shop experience preferred (apprentice/entry-level candidates encouraged to apply).

•                Ability to read and interpret blueprints, work orders, and basic part specifications; familiarity with tolerances is a plus.

•                Comfortable using measurement tools such as tape measures and calipers; micrometer/height gauge experience is a plus.

•                Machine shop background preferred: deburring/finishing practices, drill press/band saw operation, basic fixturing, and safe tool setup.

•                CNC exposure preferred (assisting/observing); experience loading/unloading parts and performing in-process checks under supervision is a plus.

•                Experience working with plastics such as PVC, HDPE, acrylic, polycarbonate, and similar sheet/rod materials preferred.

•                Working knowledge of shop safety practices, PPE, and safe operation of hand/power tools.

•                Ability to follow written/verbal instructions, maintain accurate records, and ask questions when requirements are unclear.

•                Strong attention to detail, workmanship, and quality; able to work independently and as part of a team.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive hand/arm motions. Ability to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, grasp, and handle tools and materials. Must be able to lift and move materials/parts as required by the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work Environment

Manufacturing/shop environment with exposure to noise, dust/particulate, and moving equipment. Role requires consistent use of required PPE and adherence to safety and quality procedures.