Mechanic Apprentice

About the role

Gerdau is hiring a Mechanic Apprentice in Petersburg, Virginia, within its Production & Operations area. The apprentice earns while continuing their education and receives hands-on experience, mentored by skilled and experienced employees who rotate them through different departments. Working hours are 6 am to 2:30 pm, Monday to Friday, with a minimum of 36 hours per week to allow time for classes.

Key responsibilities

• Perform basic maintenance using hand tools, dismantling, repairing, lubricating and reassembling equipment.
• Work on hydraulics, pneumatics, pipe fitting, assembly and installation.
• Perform basic electrical maintenance on non-complex circuitry.
• Adjust, clean or lubricate equipment as preventive maintenance.
• Tear down, replace, repair, assemble and install standard, non-complex equipment and parts.
• Work in other maintenance crafts as required, such as burning, welding, fabricating and machining.
• Start, observe and operate equipment to detect or verify corrections of malfunctions.
• Operate mobile equipment such as loaders, cranes, man-lifts, brick-lifts and forklifts.
• Ensure daily preventative maintenance on vehicles and mobile equipment, including fueling, cleaning and checking fluids.
• Follow PPE requirements and safety rules, assist in training coworkers, communicate via two-way radio and hand signals, and maintain a clean work area.

Required profile

• High school diploma or GED.
• Enrolled in a verifiable maintenance technical training program.
• 1-2 years of experience in an industrial environment in a position with a routine maintenance component.
• Aptitude in at least one of electrician, millwright, fabricator, welder or vehicle mechanic.
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders, work in extreme heat up to 160 F, in cramped quarters and at heights up to 180 feet.

Required skills

• Shop mathematics with drawings, specifications, charts, tables and precision measuring instruments.
• Basic understanding of AC/DC motors, gearbox mechanics, lubrication principles, welding, cutting torch, NFPA 70E and common maintenance hand tools preferred.
• Basic computer skills and familiarity with Gerdau Business System tools.

What we offer

• Starting pay of $27.88.
• Medical, prescription, dental and vision plans, eligible on the first day of hire.
• Health and dependent care flexible spending account, 401K matched up to 6%, life and accidental life insurance.
• Health advocate services, employee assistance program and tuition reimbursement.
• Career path system and training.