Becoming a sheet metal worker in Eau Claire, WI, typically begins with an apprenticeship, which combines hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships last about three to five years, requiring approximately 8,000 hours of training under licensed professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 126,200 sheet metal workers nationwide, with an average hourly wage of $21.23, translating to approximately $849 per week. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like Guild help aspiring sheet metal workers find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential—often exceeding $56,000 annually for experienced professionals.
About the Role Cadrex seeks a skilled Press Brake Operator II to join our team. This is a full-time position working on-site in Chippewa Falls, WI, with a schedule of M-Th, 6:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Responsibilities: • Set up and operate metal bending machines to meet quality and quantity standards. • Inspect production output to ensure it meets requirements. • Perform routine maintenance and operational checks on tools and equipment. • Plan and execute efficient workflows through the cell/department. What We Offer Cadrex provides a safe and collaborative work environment, opportunities for growth and development, and competitive compensation and benefits packages. Physical Demands: • Regularly required to stand, sit, use hands and fingers, handle or feel, and talk or hear. • Occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. • Lift and/or move up to 25 pounds occasionally.
See More Details >>Cadrex is a leading provider of complex sheet metal and machined production parts, assemblies, and weldments for various end markets. We are committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for our employees. We offer a challenging and rewarding career opportunity for a skilled Sheet Metal Worker II. As a key member of our fabrication team, you will be responsible for setting up and operating metal bending machines (Press Brake) in accordance with quality and quantity standards. The ideal candidate will have 2+ years of related experience and possess excellent problem-solving skills. They should also be able to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, blueprints, and simple instructions. Responsibilities include: • Performing dimensional inspections using calipers, height gauges, protractors, and steel rulers to ensure production output meets requirements • Routine operator maintenance and operational checks on all tools and equipment utilized, including tool cleaning with stone, machine oiling, fluid level/air pressure checks, and safety switch functioning • Selecting and setting-up tools, equipment, and machines required for quality productions based on production specifications and/or lead's instructions • Reviewing machine tooling requirements and planning set-up/operations to optimize flow of work through the cell/department • Understanding the effects of the forming process in downstream operations
See More Details >>Responsibilities: The successful candidate will operate punch presses to produce precision parts from metal, monitor machine performance, stock materials, and maintain equipment. Additionally, you will read work orders, load work into machines, set up and start machines, test and adjust speeds, and record operational data.
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