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.