APPRENTICE INSTRUCTOR

Apprentice/Machinist Instructor

About the Role

STOBER Drives Inc is seeking an innovative and experienced machinist to instruct and mentor apprentices in key machining concepts and skills, both in classroom and lab environments. The Apprentice/Machinist Instructor will coordinate and administer the apprenticeship program, ensuring technical mastery, soft skills development, and alignment with industry and company standards.

Essential Functions

• Instruct apprentices to machine parts to specifications using conventional machine tools (lathes, mills, grinders, etc.).
• Set up, adjust, and operate basic or specialized machine tools for precision machining operations.
• Align and secure fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, and materials onto machines.
• Teach the use of precision measuring instruments to inspect parts to print specifications.
• Guide apprentices in reading and interpreting engineering drawings and GD&T symbols.
• Instruct on speeds and feeds for machining various metals and safe CNC machine operation (HAAS, Makino, Nakamura controls).
• Design and implement curriculum, lesson plans, and classroom procedures for pre-apprentices and apprentices.
• Create and maintain training/project checklists, audit checklists, and assessments for all program phases.
• Collaborate with the Talent Development Leader to ensure curriculum addresses industry needs.
• Provide mentorship through shadowing and department rotations.
• Participate in classroom teaching, guest teaching, and classroom management.
• Adapt to various teaching situations, working effectively in both classroom and lab settings.
• Establish guidelines and manage student conduct in classroom and shop environments.
• Communicate how machining processes affect product quality.
• Participate in monthly audits and bi-weekly check-ins for continuous improvement.
• Develop and deliver soft skills training plans.
• Champion the program through job fairs, community forums, and school partnerships.
• Benchmark other apprentice programs for best practices.
• Coordinate onboarding processes ensure apprentices have received department specific training and opportunities for shadowing and mentorship.
• Learn and utilize scheduling processes and relevant software (e.g., SAP).
• Maintain thorough documentation of learning phases, lesson plans, and performance assessments.
• Report apprentice attendance and progress weekly.
• Ensure all processes are documented and compliant with internal standards and audit requirements.
• Participate in instructor training and curriculum development meetings.
• Build relationships and talent pipelines with regional partners such as MCTC instructors, Mason County instructors, and other educational institutions.
• Pursue continuing education in the manufacturing field to ensure training and techniques remain aligned with current industry standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience as a machinist in the manufacturing industry.
• Experience in setup and operation of CNC and manual machine tools.
• Proficiency in reading machining blueprints and using inspection tools.
• Knowledge of basic and advanced mathematical calculations.
• Technical knowledge to teach adult students.
• Current computer skills.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to organize and manage students, develop curriculum, and create projects/assessments.
• Understanding of HAAS, Makino, and Nakamura controls.

Preferred:

• Journey-level machinist or equivalent experience.
• Prior teaching or mentoring experience in a college, technical, or vocational environment.

Physical Demands:

The employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, push or pull up to 50 pounds. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb, and balance. The employee must regularly lift and/or move objects up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.