Tool and Die Apprenticeship.

JimDawson said:
Normally dressing for the job is appropriate for an interview. In this case, work boots, Carharts, and a T shirt would be fine. That's what you will be wearing to work. Neatly trimmed facial hair should be fine.



As far as what questions to ask, I really can't think of any. Go for the T&D program if you can. You will learn a lot more and will learn on-the-fly problem solving. Running a 1000 of the same part would drive me nuts. Problem solving is the fun part for me, the machining portion of T&D work is just a task. But it's really fun to create something new. I've been doing it for about 45 years.

Asking about the pay increases over time is appropriate for an apprentice program, normally there is a fixed schedule. I would not even concider a production machinist position, but that is just me. Pay rate could be as low as $12 and up depending on the job and your experience. At this stage in your career the pay is the least of your concerns, the experience in the shop is much more valuable.



Pain In The A$$
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Thank you for the reply. Yes, I'm leaning more towards the t&d apprenticeship, as I see it taking me further in my career. But will not hesitate to take a production machinist position, that way if I don't get the apprenticeship, I then have a job lined up.

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ddickey said:
Ask how many will be hired.
When they will make a decision.
What they like about their jobs.
Ask about tasks and checkoffs in your apprentice book. If you can advance by time or tasks completed.
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All good information, I like it! Thank you for that. I also plan to ask for a tour of the facility, that way I can engage with some workers there and see how they like their job.

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Alan H said:
Be prepared to answer:
Why do you think you have an aptitude and interest in this type of work?
Why you would like to work for them?
Why you are interesting in this career?
What's important in working in a team?
What you hope to learn?
Where you'd like to be in 5 years?
How you feel about safety rules and regulations?
Give me an example of your ability to be innovative and creative.
What do you think about quality and continuous improvement?

Answer their questions and then ask yours, never leave an interview without asking questions. Never say, "you've told me enough". Demonstrate your listening skills, take a note or two if you like, and then ask questions within the context of the discussion to get more information. Reverse the questions above if you like.
What is the aptitude and interest of your employees in there work here?
Why do your employees like working here
Why do your employees like their career opportunities here
How are your employees encouraged to work in a team here
What do your employees have to opportunity to learn here
What could a great employee achieve in 5 years here
What is your turnover rate here and why?
Ask them about their employee involvement and safety programs. Ask them about their safety performance.
Do you have a continuous improvement program?

Fresh groomed in the clothing appropriate for the job is the way to show up for the interview.
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Wow! I'm taking notes, so thank you for that! Any questions I should ask pertaining to the apprenticeship for t&d? Maybe some the others might have missed?

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You might ask if you will be trained in layout and design, OD grinding and CNC work. All these should be covered. A worker skilled in CNC work can do far more in less time than one without and more accurately. . Tell them you know this and look forward to using the skill.
 
T Bredehoft said:
You might ask if you will be trained in layout and design, OD grinding and CNC work. All these should be covered. A worker skilled in CNC work can do far more in less time than one without and more accurately. . Tell them you know this and look forward to using the skill.
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Will do. Thanks!

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And If you had som CAD training before be sure to mention it. It Will take you à step closer to the cnc part.


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Ugh! So one of shops I applied for wants to hire me at 14 an hour as a machinist, starting out on the bench deburing. I absolutely have no problem doing this. They do specialty work (job shop?), so the jobs will vary and switch up every so often, so I wouldn't get bored there. They said they would teach cnc etc, allowing myself to move up in the company. Which is my ultimate goal, because I'd like to learn as much as possible.

Now I'm torn between two companies. The Tool and Die apprenticeship or the job in my 1st paragraph above. The t&d apprenticeship is 4 years, also 14 an hour, and they said my pay would double after the apprenticeship is all said and done. They also said I would be able to learn CNC down the road, along with EDM.

My question to you all is which would you choose? Which will give me the most experience and better pay down the road? I need to weigh out my options here, so I'm looking for guidance. Thank you very much.

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IMHO the choice is simple --- Apprentice Tool and Die Maker. Someone has to make the tooling for those CNC Machines, why not you. I will say this , I'm not a CNC fan, but that's a whole nuther story.

"Billy G"
 
Bill Gruby said:
IMHO the choice is simple --- Apprentice Tool and Die Maker. Someone has to make the tooling for those CNC Machines, why not you. I will say this , I'm not a CNC fan, but that's a whole nuther story.

"Billy G"
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You're right. I put this up on a FB group, too, and they all say t&d. So I think I have my answer.

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T& D, If you're after pay, I was (in two separate factories) with "Group Leader" the highest paid hourly worker in the plant. I did work nights, my choice, but I didn't start till I was 32.
 
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