Maintenance Technician Apprentice

The Maintenance Technician Apprentice is an entry-level, structured learning role at WT Burnett Co.'s Statesville, NC manufacturing facility. Under direct supervision of experienced maintenance technicians and the Maintenance Supervisor, the apprentice develops the mechanical and electrical skills required to advance into a fully qualified Maintenance Technician Level 2. This position is designed for motivated individuals who are committed to building a long-term career in industrial maintenance.

APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM OVERVIEW

This is a registered, competency-based apprenticeship (RAPIDS Code 0311CB | O*NET 49-9071.00) recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship. The program combines two parallel tracks:

? On-the-Job Learning (OJL): Hands-on skill development supervised by a designated mentor technician at WT Burnett.

? Related Technical Instruction (RTI): Coursework through Mitchell Community College's Advanced Integrated Manufacturing Systems (AIMS) Lab program.

Acceptance into this position requires completion and signing of WT Burnett's formal Apprenticeship Agreement prior to beginning work. All competencies in the Work Process Schedule must be completed and signed off by both the apprentice and mentor during the program.

Requirements

LEARNING EXPECTATIONS & DEVELOPMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The following areas represent the full scope of skills the apprentice is expected to develop. Apprentices perform these duties at increasing levels of independence as competency is demonstrated:

1. Preventive & Corrective Maintenance

? Learn to perform scheduled preventive and corrective maintenance on machinery, electrical systems, and mechanical equipment — including engines, motors, pneumatic tools, conveyor systems, and production machinery.

? Assist experienced technicians with troubleshooting and develop the ability to independently diagnose and repair equipment malfunctions.

2. Electrical Systems

? Develop working knowledge of 3-phase electrical systems up to 480V.

? Learn to safely troubleshoot and diagnose malfunctions using testing instruments (multimeters, Megger, infrared thermometers) and technical documentation.

? Build familiarity with Siemens and Allen Bradley drives, AC motors, and variable frequency drives (VFDs).

3. Mechanical Systems & Fabrication

? Assist with dismantling and repairing defective parts using hoists, cranes, and hand/power tools.

? Learn to safely operate machine shop equipment (lathes, end mills, grinders) to fabricate repair parts.

? Develop skills in welding, fabrication, and conduit bending and installation.

4. Technical Documentation

? Learn to read, interpret, and update maintenance documentation including schematics, wiring diagrams, and standard operating procedures.

? Develop the ability to independently create and revise technical documentation as proficiency grows.

5. CMMS Utilization

? Learn to use the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to log work orders, track equipment performance, and support root cause analysis.

? Develop consistent habits for timely and accurate CMMS entry.

6. Parts & Inventory Management

? Assist with maintaining inventory of equipment, parts, and supplies.

? Learn proper storeroom procedures and ordering processes.

7. Lean & Continuous Improvement

? Participate in lean manufacturing initiatives, quick kaizens, and BOM creation for equipment.

? Develop an improvement mindset aligned with WT Burnett's operational goals.

8. Safety & Environmental Compliance

? Learn and consistently apply all WT Burnett safety procedures, rules, and regulations.

? Maintain a clean and safe working environment at all times.

? Develop awareness of environmental compliance requirements in a manufacturing setting.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

Apprentices are evaluated on progress toward the following outcomes, which mirror the full accountability of a Maintenance Technician Level 2:

? Growing ability to support reliable operation of mechanical and electrical systems with decreasing supervisor oversight.

? Accurate and timely completion of assigned preventive maintenance tasks and assisted emergency repairs.

? Correct and timely use of CMMS to document all assigned work orders.

? Proper creation or updating of technical documentation under mentor guidance.

? Consistent compliance with safety and environmental standards.

REQUIRED RELATED TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION (RTI)

Apprentices are required to complete coursework through Mitchell Community College's Advanced Integrated Manufacturing Systems (AIMS) Lab program. The AIMS Lab prepares individuals to repair and maintain electrical and mechanical systems and physical structures of commercial and industrial institutions through individualized, hands-on lab activities aligned with real-world industrial equipment.

Cost: $196.25 per person per semester | Registration: Complete the Continuing Education Registration Form and pay by credit card, check, or cash.

Entry Level Technician — Minimum 180 Hours

• Basic Electricity

• Introduction to Industrial Controls

• Discrete Sensors

• AC & DC Drives

• Basic PLCs

• Troubleshooting

• Introduction to Pneumatic Systems

• Electro-Mechanical Control of Pneumatic Systems

• Industrial Control Applications and Interfacing

• Sensor Applications and Interfacing

• AC & DC Drives Applications and Interfacing

Intermediate I Technician — Minimum 204 Hours

• Introduction to PLCs

• Automation Systems (Level 1)

• Electro-Pneumatic System

• PLC Control of Pneumatic Systems

• Introduction to Hydraulic Systems

• Electro-Mechanical Control of Hydraulic Systems

• PLC Control of Hydraulic Systems PLC

• Applications and Interfacing

Intermediate II — Automation Technician — Minimum 184 Hours

• Three-Phase Motor Starters

• Reduced Voltage Starters

• AC Motor Drive

• DC Motor Drive

• Electro-Mechanical System / DC Motor

• Bottling Process System

• Level Process Control System

• Electro-Mechanical System / Stepper Motor

• Introduction to AB CompactLogix

• Introduction to Operator Interface Systems

• Digital Servos

Advanced Engineering Technician — Minimum 488 Hours

• DC Fundamentals

• DC Network Theorems

• AC 1 Fundamentals

• AC 2 Fundamentals

• Magnetism and Electromagnetism

• Semiconductor Devices

• Thyristors and Power Control Circuits

• Transducer Fundamentals

• Motors, Controls and Generators

• Introduction to Industrial Electrical Installation

• Electrical Power Distribution

• Electrical Wiring

• Control Panel Fabrication

• FANUC Certification (CERT) Training

• Automation Systems (Level 2)

• Mechatronics Systems (Level 1)

• Mechatronics Systems (HMI Interfacing)

• Mechatronics Systems (Bar Code Interfacing)

• Mechatronics Systems (Ethernet Communications)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

? High school diploma or GED required.

? Enrollment in or completion of a technical program (Electrical/Electronic Technology, Mechatronics, Industrial Technology, or related field) is strongly preferred.

? Some exposure to industrial, mechanical, or electrical work through coursework, trade school, or hands-on experience is a plus — no prior professional experience required.

Technical Knowledge

? Basic understanding of electrical or mechanical concepts (obtained through school, hobby, or prior work).

? Willingness to learn CMMS software and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

? Desire to develop skills in troubleshooting electrical controls, power distribution, and mechanical systems.

Work Skills & Attributes

? Strong curiosity, eagerness to learn, and a hands-on work ethic.

? Ability to take direction, ask questions, and apply feedback constructively.

? Good communication and teamwork skills for collaborating with a diverse maintenance team.

? Basic analytical thinking and problem-solving ability.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

? Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and perform tasks such as walking, bending, twisting, and climbing.

? Ability to work in a non-temperature-controlled manufacturing environment with exposure to dust, fumes, and high noise levels.

? Capability to work 12-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, with overtime as needed.

? Ability to work around moving equipment such as forklifts and industrial sweepers in congested areas.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This role is performed at WT Burnett Co.'s Statesville, NC manufacturing facility. The environment includes exposure to chemicals, granules, high-noise areas, and regular operation around moving industrial equipment. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required and provided.

CAREER ADVANCEMENT

WT Burnett is committed to developing maintenance talent from within. Successful apprentices who demonstrate consistent competency, professionalism, and safety will be considered for promotion to:

? Maintenance Technician Level 1 — upon demonstrated proficiency in foundational mechanical and electrical skills.

? Maintenance Technician Level 2 — upon 5+ years of experience and mastery of the full competency set, including electrical systems, CMMS, fabrication, and documentation.

? Certifications such as CMRT or CMRP are encouraged and may be supported by WT Burnett as the apprentice advances