Prep Shop Trainer

JOB PURPOSE

The Prep Shop Trainer is responsible for developing, delivering, and evaluating classroom and hands-on training for new and incumbent employees assigned to Prep Shop operations. This position will provide instruction in CNC and machine operation, material handling, equipment operation, workplace safety, quality standards, material identification, and other Prep Shop processes.

The Trainer will ensure employees develop technical knowledge, practical skills, safety awareness, and equipment competencies necessary to safely and effectively perform assigned Prep Shop responsibilities. The Trainer will work closely with Training, Production, Quality, Safety, and Prep Shop leadership to identify skill gaps, support employee development, maintain training documentation, and promote workforce readiness.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Training & Instruction

• Develop and deliver classroom and hands-on training for new hires, transferred employees, and incumbent employees assigned to Prep Shop operations.
• Provide structured instruction covering CNC/machine operation, material handling, equipment operation, production processes, safety, quality, and proper work practices.
• Develop and maintain training outlines, lesson plans, work instructions, practical exercises, competency assessments, and equipment-specific training materials.
• Adapt instruction based on employee experience, demonstrated skill level, training needs, and operational requirements.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and corrective retraining to address skill gaps and support employee development.
• Coordinate training schedules with hiring, production, and operational requirements.
• Serve as a technical training resource for employees, supervisors, and Prep Shop leadership.

CNC & Machine Operation Training

• Train employees in the safe setup and operation of Prep Shop equipment, including: 
  • CNC plasma cutting equipment
  • CNC press brake equipment
  • Hydmech saw
  • Behringer saw
  • Pacific press
  • Standard press
  • Wheelabrator equipment
  • Other assigned Prep Shop machinery
• Train employees on material and tooling selection, proper material positioning and securing, machine setup, and safe equipment operation.
• Provide instruction on applicable machine settings, including speed, feed, depth, cutting, forming, and other operational requirements.
• Train employees to determine part dimensions, sequence of operations, production requirements, and proper part identification and marking.
• Instruct employees on inspection of completed parts and identification of damaged, defective, or nonconforming parts and equipment.
• Provide instruction on operator-level troubleshooting, daily equipment inspections, cleaning, lubrication, preventive maintenance, proper shutdown, and housekeeping procedures.

Measurement, Blueprint & Quality Training

• Train employees to properly read and use tape measures and other applicable measurement tools, including accurate measurement to 1/16 inch.
• Provide instruction on reading and interpreting blueprints, production drawings, specifications, and work instructions.
• Train employees to identify required dimensions, material specifications, tolerances, and other production requirements.
• Reinforce quality standards and required inspections, including applicable plate and bend tolerances.
• Train employees to recognize nonconforming materials or parts and appropriately report or escalate quality concerns.

Material Handling & Equipment Training

• Provide hands-on training for the safe movement, storage, staging, loading, unloading, and handling of steel, finished parts, equipment, and production materials.
• Train and evaluate employees in the applicable operation of: 
  • Overhead cranes
  • Forklifts/Tow motors
  • Material-handling equipment
  • Trucks and other equipment used to move materials on company property
• Provide instruction on safe lifting and material-movement practices, load positioning and control, loading and unloading, material identification, staging, storage, and material flow throughout Prep Shop operations.
• Train employees to conduct pre-use inspections, recognize equipment defects, and properly report unsafe or damaged equipment.
• Reinforce pedestrian and equipment awareness, communication during material movement, and proper housekeeping and organization of work areas.

Safety, Employee Development & Training Support

• Promote a strong safety culture and reinforce company policies, PPE requirements, hazard recognition, machine safety, material-handling safety, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Observe employee work practices and provide immediate instruction or corrective training when unsafe practices or skill deficiencies are identified.
• Evaluate employee knowledge and practical ability through skills assessments and competency evaluations before recommending independent equipment operation.
• Monitor employee development and communicate training progress, skill gaps, and additional development needs appropriate leadership.
• Support cross-training to develop employee proficiency across multiple Prep Shop machines, equipment, and job functions.
• Maintain accurate records of employee training, competency evaluations, equipment qualifications, certifications, and required recertifications.
• Partner with Prep Shop, Production, Safety, Quality, and Training leadership to ensure training reflects current operational and safety requirements.
• Update training materials when equipment, processes, procedures, or requirements change.
• Recommend improvements to training programs based on operational needs, employee development needs, and observed training opportunities.

COMPETENCIES

• Proficiency in CNC, plasma, press, conventional machine, and industrial saw operations, including material handling, overhead crane and powered industrial truck/forklift operation.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings and apply shop math and dimensional measurement.
• Knowledge of material identification and proper handling requirements.
• Knowledge of quality inspection practices and the ability to identify nonconforming materials or parts.
• Basic machine troubleshooting and preventive maintenance knowledge.

Training & Development

• Ability to effectively deliver classroom and hands-on technical instruction.
• Ability to demonstrate safe and proper equipment operation.
• Ability to develop lesson plans, work instructions, training checklists, and competency assessments.
• Ability to coach and develop employees with varying levels of manufacturing experience.
• Ability to objectively assess employee skills and equipment proficiency.

Leadership

• Leads by example and promotes accountability, safety, and quality.
• Provides clear, constructive coaching and feedback.
• Creates a positive and professional learning environment.
• Identifies training and development needs and recommends appropriate solutions.
• Supports employee development, cross-training, and continuous improvement.

Communication & Organization

• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to clearly explain technical requirements.
• Strong documentation, organization, and recordkeeping skills.
• Ability to coordinate multiple employees, training schedules, and priorities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with Training, Production, Safety, Quality, and People Operations.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Associate degree in Manufacturing Technology, CNC/Machining Technology, Industrial Technology, Mechanical Technology, Technical Education, or a related technical field is preferred; OR
• Relevant industry certification(s) combined with demonstrated industrial/manufacturing experience may be considered.

Experience

• Minimum 3–5 years of manufacturing, machining, CNC, Prep Shop, steel fabrication, or material-handling experience preferred.
• Demonstrated hands-on knowledge of CNC/machine operation and industrial material-handling practices.
• Previous experience training, mentoring, leading, or developing employees strongly preferred.
• Experience in heavy manufacturing or steel fabrication preferred.

Certifications

• Candidate should possess applicable certifications or demonstrate the ability to successfully complete company-required trainer/operator certifications after hired.
• Ability to complete additional company-required equipment, safety, and instructor certifications.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Heavy industrial worksite environment
• Exposure to outdoor elements, extreme heat and cold, dust, chemicals, and loud noise
• Standing for extended periods; lifting, bending, crouching, climbing, and working in confined spaces
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Safety-sensitive position; subject to pre-employment and reasonable-suspicion drug testing
• Overtime and flexible scheduling required