Chemical Operator Apprentice - Job Expectations

The Chemical Operators Apprentice will work a 12-hour shift, from 6:00 am until 6:00 pm (Paid 30 minute lunch and 3 (10 minute) breaks) at the WACKER site in Charleston, TN once per week in the Fall and Spring semesters and twice per week in the Summer semester.  The primary focus of the apprentice is to learn and develop the necessary skills to prepare them for a future in a chemical manufacturing environment.  The Apprentice will observe operators using computers and process control systems as part of the distributed control system (DCS) to safely monitor, control, and document production. In addition, they will accompany operators with their walk-arounds to check safety status, environmental aspects and complete all manual tasks necessary for steady and safe operations.

Principal accountabilities for a Chemical Operator Apprentice include, but are not limited to:

1. Observe and assist operators performing regular production duties which include: monitoring, controlling, and documenting production flow and processing steps.
2. Observe and assist operators with walk-arounds and ensure environmentally compatible disposal and recycling of waste.
3. Shadow experienced operators and learn the necessary skills required for maintaining process equipment by performing hands on tasks.
4. Contact appropriate personnel when additional expertise is required.
5. Observe and assist in documentation of all operational steps in an electronic log book.
6. Follow company policies regarding health and environmental protection, work safety, plant safety and product quality.
7. Incorporate safe behavior into all activities and consistently complies with all established safety and health policies and procedures.
8. Work in interdisciplinary and intercultural teams.
9. Cooperate with groups and individuals within the Engineering & Maintenance Department, Operations, and other service units.
10. Perform other duties as assigned

As Apprentices students will participate in OJT 1 day per week in OJT in the Fall and Spring semester and 2 days per week in the summer.  Chemical Operator Apprentices are expected to be present and on time for every scheduled shift or to notify direct supervisor in case of an emergency.  While Chattanooga State is not in session apprentice are not expected to be at the WACKER site (breaks, school closing, holidays, etc.).  Chemical Operator Apprentices must pass a physical, physical demands test, background, and drug test.

Electrical or Mechanical Maintenance Technician Apprentice – Job Expectations

The Maintenance Technician Apprentices will work 2 days per week throughout the Apprenticeship program (8 hour shifts). The primary focus of the apprentice is to learn and develop the necessary skills to prepare them for a future in a maintenance field within a manufacturing environment.  The apprentice will observe and assist skilled maintenance with the repair and instillation activities throughout the WACKER site in Charleston, TN.

Accountabilities Include, but are not limited to:

1. Observe and learn how to use a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) effectively to accomplish required maintenance in and efficient and organized manner.
2. Observe optimization of plant preventative maintenance program to meet OEM recommendations.
3. Shadow experienced maintenance technicians and learn the necessary skills required for maintaining process equipment by performing hands on tasks.
4. Follow company policies regarding health and environmental protection, work safety, plant safety and product quality;
5. Observe and assist technicians maintaining logs, manuals, records, blueprints and operating procedures.
6. Incorporate safe behavior into all activities and consistently complies with all established safety and health policies and procedures.
7. Work in interdisciplinary and intercultural teams.
8. Cooperate with groups and individuals within the Engineering & Maintenance Department, Operations, and other service units.
9. Perform other duties as assigned.

The Apprentices in the Mechanical and Electrical Maintenance Technical roles will work OJT 2 days throughout the Apprenticeship Program. Maintenance Technician Apprentices are expected to be present and on time for every scheduled shift or notify direct supervisor in case of an emergency. While Chattanooga State is not in session apprentice are not expected to be at the WACKER site (breaks, school closings, holidays, etc.). Maintenance Technician Apprentices must pass a physical, background, and drug test.