Entry Level - Student Shop Helper

The Entry Level Shop Helper supports our manufacturing team with day-to-day tasks throughout the production process while learning how a fabrication shop operates from start to finish. This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience, build foundational skills, and explore different areas of manufacturing.

You'll start in one department and learn the core processes, safety expectations, and key tasks for that area. As you demonstrate competency, your supervisor will move you through additional departments, giving you real experience with how materials flow through the shop and how each team contributes to the final product.

Along the way, you'll help keep production moving by staging materials and parts, assisting with loading/unloading, supporting shipping and receiving, and handling basic shop support tasks as trained.

OVERVIEW

Reports to: Shop Manager and Foreman

Schedule: Part-time; flexible shifts available (after school, evenings, and/or weekends). More hours may be available during summer and school breaks.

Work Environment: Manufacturing shop environment around industrial equipment. PPE required. Limited lifting and material handling throughout the day

Measurable Goals:

1. Onboarding Goal: Complete JMW onboarding checklist (orientation, shop rules, and required training) within the first 2 weeks.
2. Safety Goal: Demonstrate safe work habits every shift; proper PPE, safe lifting/material handling, equipment awareness, and asking for help when unsure.
3. Department Progression Goal: Rotate through each department (Material Handling, Laser Support, Shipping/Receiving, Assembly/Finishing, Fabrication etc.) and progress to the next department after successfully completing that department's skills checklist (safety + task competency).
4. Support & Reliability Goal: Arrive on time, communicate schedule changes early, and complete assigned tasks with appropriate supervision while maintaining a positive, team-first attitude.
5. Organization Goal: Maintain clean and organized work areas: keep aisles clear, return tools/materials to proper locations, and leave workstations ready for the next shift.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Rotate through departments to learn processes and support the team where needed.
• Stage and move materials/parts between areas of the shop.
• Assist with loading/unloading materials and parts (training provided).
• Support laser operations by sorting, staging, and loading/unloading material under supervision.
• Support shipping/receiving: help unload deliveries, count items, and pack/strap/label outgoing orders.
• Use carts, pallet jacks, and other approved equipment; operate forklift once trained/certified.
• Complete basic checklists/time tracking as required.
• Perform other shop support tasks as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid driver's license (required).
• No prior experience required-we will train the right person.
• Dependable and punctual; communicates schedule changes early.
• Able to follow instructions and work safely around industrial equipment.
• Basic math/measurement skills (counting, matching labels, simple dimensions).

GENERAL SKILLS

• Familiarity with hand tools or shop environments. (Not required, will train).
• Demonstrated positive attitude.
• Willingness to learn and take direction.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to understand safety requirements and cautions.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Site safety, cleanliness, professionalism, punctuality.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Frequently required to stand, walk, and use hand and finger dexterity.
• Occasional lifting, pushing, or carrying of items, with some loads exceeding 50 pounds.
• Periodic exposure to moving mechanical parts.
• Frequent exposure to loud noise, including industrial equipment and machinery. Periodic exposure to very loud noise, such as jackhammer work.