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Toolmaker Apprentice

ITW Automotive
Zeeland, MI Full Time
POSTED ON 5/14/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/7/2026
Job Description

Join Our Team as a Transfer Press Apprentice!

Are you ready to start a rewarding career in advanced manufacturing? ITW Drawform is seeking a Toolmaker Apprentice to join our Transfer Press Toolmaking Apprenticeship Program, focused on deep draw metal stamping and precision tooling. This hands-on opportunity is designed for people eager to learn, grow their technical skills, and build a long-term career in toolmaking and precision manufacturing.

No prior experience? No problem. Already part of a registered apprenticeship program? We welcome transfers. Whether you’re starting fresh or bringing related experience, we’re looking for dependable individuals with strong mechanical aptitude and a drive to succeed.

As a Toolmaker Apprentice, you will train alongside experienced professionals to build, maintain, and repair deep draw and transfer stamping dies used to produce safety-critical automotive components such as airbag, fuel, brake, and hydraulic parts.

Key Responsibilities

  • Assist in building, repairing, and maintaining transfer press tooling and dies
  • Support die tryouts, troubleshooting, and press setup activities
  • Perform machining, grinding, fitting, and polishing of tooling components
  • Read blueprints and use precision measuring tools
  • Support preventive maintenance and tooling improvements
  • Follow all safety and quality standards

What You’ll Learn

  • Deep draw stamping fundamentals
  • Transfer press automation and sequencing
  • Precision machining and die fitting
  • Troubleshooting stamping defects
  • Measurement and inspection methods
  • Lockout/tagout and press safety practices

Qualifications

  • Strong mechanical aptitude and eagerness to learn
  • Dependable with a positive attitude
  • Attention to detail and problem-solving mindset
  • Basic math skills (fractions, decimals, measurements)
  • Ability to work in a manufacturing environment and lift up to 50 lbs with assistance

Additional Requirements

  • Willingness to work off-shift(2nd or 3rd) schedules as needed during training
  • Participation in college-level coursework through a local college as part of the apprenticeship

Preferred Qualifications

  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Technical training or prior machining/manufacturing experience

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Salary.com Estimation for Toolmaker Apprentice in Zeeland, MI
$56,927 to $71,819
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