Press Apprentice -Experienced Machine Operator- in Rome, Georgia at PPC FLEX

Press Apprentice – Manufacturing

Position Summary

We are looking for an experienced Machine Operator to join our team and train to become a Press Operator through our Press Apprentice Program.

This is not an entry-level manufacturing position. Candidates must have at least 2–3 years of experience as the primary operator of production equipment, such as a printing press, slitter, laminator, bag machine, or similar industrial machinery.

The Press Apprentice will work alongside an experienced Press Operator to learn press setup, operation, quality standards, troubleshooting, changeovers, and production processes. Advancement to Press Operator is based on demonstrated skills and successful completion of required training.

Shift Flexibility Required: Candidates must be willing and able to work day or night shift based on training and business needs.

About the Role:

The Press Apprentice is an experienced machine operator in manufacturing and will train to become a Press Operator through the press apprentice program. Working under the direction of an experienced Press Operator, the Apprentice learns to set up print orders, operate the press to production standards, produce quality materials with minimal waste, and perform press support duties. Prior machine-operator experience is applied as the Apprentice progresses toward full Press Operator responsibilities. The Apprentice is responsible for preventing product contamination, maintaining equipment in a safe and effective condition, and completing required training and competency sign-offs. Advancement is based on demonstrated competency and sign-off, not time alone.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 2–3 years of experience as the primary operator of production machinery in a manufacturing, converting, or packaging environment.
• Experience independently setting up, operating, adjusting, and troubleshooting production equipment.
• Ability to perform quality checks and complete production and waste documentation.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn flexographic printing equipment.
• Ability to read and accurately use a standard tape measure.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety and quality.
• Ability to follow written and verbal work instructions.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and stand for most of the shift.
• Must be flexible to work days or nights as required for training and production support.
• Preferred: Flexographic printing, converting, packaging, GMP, SQF, or food-safety experience.

What You'll Learn & Do

• Train to set up and operate flexographic printing presses.
• Assist with press setups, changeovers, and production runs.
• Load raw materials and prepare rolls and splices.
• Retrieve and verify inks, materials, plates, and job specifications.
• Monitor print quality and make adjustments with guidance from the Press Operator.
• Perform quality checks using production and color-management equipment.
• Troubleshoot basic equipment and production issues.
• Complete production, waste, quality, and material documentation.
• Clean press components and maintain equipment and work areas.
• Perform assigned preventive maintenance.
• Follow GMP, SQF, safety, quality, and contamination-prevention requirements.
• Properly label finished materials, WIP, unused materials, and waste.
• Communicate production information during shift changes.
• Complete all required Apprentice Program training and competency sign-offs.

Press Apprentice Training Program

New hires and employees transferring into this position receive extensive on-the-job training with an experienced Press Operator. The training program is designed to develop experienced machine operators into fully qualified Press Operators.

Advancement is based on demonstrated competency, successful training completion, and required skill sign-offs — not time in the position alone.

Ideal Candidate

You may be a great fit if you currently operate equipment such as a printing press, slitter, laminator, bag machine, extrusion/converting equipment, or similar production machinery and are ready to advance your manufacturing career into a skilled Press Operator position.