Position Summary The Sheet Metal Apprentice will build foundational skills in CNC press brake operation and sheet metal fabrication while working under the guidance of experienced operators. This role is ideal for individuals with at least 1 year of experience on a press brake or other metal fabrication equipment who are ready to advance their skills through a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction. This position requires mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a commitment to learning in a safe, organized, and team-oriented manufacturing environment. Key Responsibilities • Press Brake Operation: Assist with set up, operation, and basic troubleshooting of CNC press brake machines to form and bend sheet metal under supervision, ensuring accuracy and quality of finished products. • Blueprint & Technical Reading: Learn to interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and work orders to understand product specifications, dimensions, material requirements, and proper bend sequences. • Tool Selection & Setup: Support the selection and installation of appropriate tooling and dies based on project specifications. Make basic machine adjustments under guidance as necessary to ensure optimal performance. • Quality Control: Inspect finished parts for compliance with quality standards using measuring tools such as digital and manual calipers, protractors, and height gauges. Ensure parts meet required tolerances and specifications. Basic math skills (fractions, multiplication, and addition) are essential for precise measurement checks. • Process Know-How: Develop an understanding of bend deductions (how much material is used to create a bend). • Maintenance Support: Participate in routine cleaning and basic maintenance of press brake machines to ensure smooth and efficient operation. Report any mechanical issues to maintenance staff. • Safety Compliance: Adhere to all safety protocols and best practices while operating machinery. Maintain a clean and organized work environment to reduce hazards and risks. • Collaboration: Work closely with engineering, production, and quality teams to build knowledge and troubleshoot basic production issues.. • Process Improvement: Suggest and implement improvements to enhance production efficiency, quality, and safety. • Training & Development: Participate in The Manufacturers' Association's Sheet Metal Apprenticeship to strengthen technical and practical skills. • Admittance to the Sheet Metal Apprenticeship Program is contingent upon a 60-day period of satisfactory performance and will align with the start of the next available class session. Qualifications • Experience: Minimum of 1+ years of experience operating a CNC press brake or other metal fabrication machinery. • Technical Skills: Basic understanding of machine operation, tooling, machine setup, and maintenance. Ability to read technical drawings and blueprints. Must be able to read a set of calipers (digital and manual) and a protractor, and perform basic math (fractions, multiplication, addition). • Attention to Detail: Exceptional attention to detail to ensure precision and quality of work. • Problem-Solving: Ability to identify and assist in resolving basic mechanical or production-related issues. • Safety-Conscious: Knowledge of industry safety standards and practices. Proven commitment to maintaining a safe work environment. Physical Requirements • Ability to lift and move heavy materials and parts. Standing for extended periods and operating machinery for long shifts may be required Preferred Qualifications • Experience with CNC press brake systems • Familiarity with various metal materials such as steel, aluminum, and stainless steel • Certification in manufacturing processes or machine operation is a plus Environment • Manufacturing environment Supervisory Responsibilities • None Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle or feel and occasionally required to stand, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. The principal duties and responsibilities enumerated are all essential job functions except those that begin with the word "may." It is the policy of Leonhardt Manufacturing to require the potential candidate to submit to a drug screen and pass a sex offender background check once an offer is extended and accepted. Failure to pass or refusal to take the test will result in the withdrawal of the offer. I further understand that neither of the policies, rules, and regulations of employment or anything said during the interview process shall be deemed to constitute the terms of an implied employment contract. Salary: $18.00 - $24.00 per hour
See More Details >>Function: Set-up and operate press brake to bend sheet metal to drawing specifications. Must be capable of utilizing common measurement devices to check part compliance to specifications and read blue prints. Responsibilities: • Receives work instructions, prints and routers for the job. • Utilize measuring devices such as protractor, calipers, micrometer, thickness gage, etc. to check and verify accuracy of work. • Knowledge of press brake operation and material limitations. • Performs operator daily maintenance of machine and tooling as required. • Knowledge of press brake tooling and tooling applications. • Responsible for setting up press brake tooling. • Responsible for programming the operation of a CNC press brake. • Capable of reading part drawings and understanding tolerance requirements. • Capable of setting ram pressure and adjustment to assure correct die clearance due to metal thickness as indicated by measurement devices. • Thorough knowledge and understanding of operating press brake controls Qualifications: • Safety and quality conscious. • Previous manufacturing experience is preferred. • Ability to make decisions. • Strong attention to detail. • Ability to work in a fast-paced, team environment. Working Conditions: • Ability to stand for more than 4 hours at a time. • Ability to lift up to 50lbs • Ability to work in hot/cold warehouse environment Company DescriptionPrecision Cut Industries (PCI) is a high-tech contract manufacturer with a core competency in laser cutting. PCI manufactures metal components and sub-assemblies, utilizing state-of-the-art lasers, robotics and precision press brakes. PCI prides itself in having the structure and processes of a large OEM, but with the nimbleness and flexibility to adjust resources as needed. We are committed to serving our customers’ needs.
See More Details >>Becoming a sheet metal worker in Hanover, PA typically starts with an apprenticeship, which combines hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships last about four to five years, requiring many hours of training under licensed professionals. The average hourly wage for a sheet metal worker in Hanover, PA is approximately $21.23, translating to an average weekly wage of around $849. With the right training and experience, sheet metal workers can earn up to $1383.67 per week. Trade schools, unions, and platforms help aspiring sheet metal workers find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential.
