Job Description

Tool and Die Apprentice

Position Summary

The Tool and Die Apprentice Program at Wiegel Tool Works combines hands-on manufacturing experience with advanced technical education to develop highly skilled Tool and Die Makers. Apprentices receive paid on-the-job training while working with cutting-edge manufacturing technology and attending classroom instruction focused on engineering, tooling, and manufacturing concepts.

This five-year apprenticeship program provides apprentices with the opportunity to earn while they learn, gain valuable real-world experience, and complete their education debt free. Upon successful completion of the program, apprentices earn a nationally recognized Certificate of Completion from the U.S. Department of Labor and transition into a full-time Journeyman Tool and Die Maker position at Wiegel.

Program Overview

• Five-year apprenticeship program
• 10,000 paid hours of on-the-job training at Wiegel headquarters
• Three years of debt-free schooling through the Technology & Manufacturing Association (TMA)
• All TMA tuition and educational expenses paid by Wiegel
• Full-time employment while enrolled in the program
• Work schedule of 40+ hours per week, Monday through Friday
• Required evening classes at TMA twice per week (3-hour sessions)
• TMA schooling consists of two 14-week semesters per year
• National Certificate of Completion awarded through the U.S. Department of Labor upon program completion
• Opportunity to advance into a full-time Journeyman Tool and Die Maker role at Wiegel

Benefits

Apprentices are eligible for full employee benefits, including:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Supplemental insurance options
• Paid holidays
• Vacation time
• Retirement savings plan
• Additional employee benefits and development opportunities

Why Become a Tool and Die Apprentice?

This apprenticeship is an excellent pathway toward a rewarding career in advanced manufacturing. Apprentices will:

• Learn a highly skilled and high-paying trade debt free
• Earn a paycheck while gaining hands-on experience
• Work on live manufacturing programs and production tooling
• Operate advanced manufacturing equipment and technology
• Develop valuable technical and problem-solving skills
• Gain exposure to multiple manufacturing processes and disciplines
• Build professional relationships and networking opportunities within the industry
• Obtain nationally recognized credentials and long-term career opportunities

On-the-Job Training Areas

Apprentices receive hands-on training in a variety of manufacturing and toolmaking applications, including:

• Tool design
• Jig boring
• Turning and machining
• Die machining
• Electrode manufacturing
• Plunge EDM
• Wire EDM operation
• Jig grinding
• Die assembly
• CNC machining
• CNC programming
• Wire programming
• Polishing and finishing
• Die maintenance and repair
• Die grinding
• Heat treat preparation
• Hole popping
• Layout inspection
• Quality inspections
• Sensor applications
• Press room operations

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred
• Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn
• Interest in manufacturing, machining, and engineering
• Ability to work in a team-oriented environment
• Strong attendance and commitment to completing the program
• Basic math and problem-solving skills
• Ability to meet the physical demands of a manufacturing environment

Career Opportunity

The Tool and Die Apprentice Program offers a unique opportunity to build a stable, rewarding career in advanced manufacturing while gaining valuable experience and education without student debt. Apprentices graduate with nationally recognized credentials, extensive hands-on experience, and the opportunity for long-term career growth at Wiegel Tool Works.