Tool & Model Maker Apprentice - Year 1

S&C Minimal Career Site
Chicago, IL

Build the tools that power a more resilient energy future

At S&C Electric, you won’t just learn a trade. You’ll help shape the future of the electrical grid. For over 100 years, S&C has been a trusted innovator in power reliability, and since 2012 we’ve been 100% employee‑owned. That means when you join S&C, you become an owner and your work truly matters.

Our products help utilities withstand severe weather, improve reliability, and support the transition to clean energy. We’re large enough to lead the industry—and small enough that your ideas and contributions make a real difference.

Join S&C and become an employee‑owner building solutions for tomorrow’s energy challenges.

Work Schedule

  • 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM, Monday–Friday (Onsite)
  • Occasional Saturday overtime

Compensation & Benefits

We believe in fair, competitive, and transparent pay.

  • Base hourly pay: $28.50 per hour 
  • Overtime opportunities
  • Pay is based on skills, experience, education, and performance
  • Eligible for S&C’s Annual Bonus
  • Employee ownership, strong benefits, and long‑term career growth

About the Role

Tool & Model Maker Apprentice

As a Tool & Model Maker Apprentice, you’ll work side‑by‑side with experienced toolmakers in our Prototyping & Tooling Department, gaining hands‑on experience while learning a highly skilled trade. This team builds and maintains the tooling that supports manufacturing, assembly, and R&D, including dies, molds, fixtures, gauges, and testing equipment.

This is a structured, four‑year apprenticeship that combines classroom instruction with real‑world shop experience. As your skills grow, so will your responsibilities.

What You’ll Learn & Do

Under the guidance of experienced toolmakers, you will:

  • Assist with building, repairing, and maintaining precision tools, dies, molds, fixtures, and gauges
  • Learn to set up and operate lathes, mills, grinders, saws, drill presses, and other machine tools
  • Read and work from blueprints, schematics, and engineering drawings
  • Use precision measuring instruments to ensure tight tolerance and accuracy
  • Troubleshoot and support repairs on production tooling and equipment
  • Apply shop math, geometry, and trigonometry to real machining tasks
  • Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams
  • Follow safety standards and maintain organized documentation
  • Actively participate in apprenticeship training and coursework

What You’ll Need to Succeed

Required:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Ability to pass the S&C Apprenticeship Entrance Exam
  • Completion of (or equivalent experience in): 
    • Shop Math (Math 1)
    • Introduction to Metrology
    • Blueprint Reading for Machinists
  • Basic understanding of machining operations (milling, turning, grinding)
  • Strong attention to detail and problem‑solving skills
  • Willingness to learn, ask questions, and grow in a hands‑on environment
  • Reliable, punctual on‑site attendance

Preferred:

  • 2 years of machine shop or precision manufacturing experience
  • Coursework or training in: 
    • GD&T
    • Dimensional Metrology
  • Some experience with CAD or related software

Apprenticeship Program Details

  • Four‑year structured apprenticeship
  • Combination of on‑the‑job training and classroom instruction
  • Enrollment in a three‑year Related Theory program through the Technology & Manufacturing Association (TMA)
  • Advancement based on skill development, performance, attendance, and safety

Successful completion prepares you for a long‑term career as a Tool & Model Maker at S&C.

Why S&C?

  • Employee‑owned company
  • Long‑term career stability
  • Learn a high‑demand, high skills trade
  • Work on products with real‑world impact
  • Supportive, team‑oriented environment

Apply today and help build the future of energy distribution.

S&C Electric is committed to equal-opportunity employment. All employees and applicants will be considered without regard to age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation to complete the application, please email us at TAsupport@sandc.com.

No fixed deadline. 

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