Machinist Apprentice Program

What is the Machinist Apprentice Program?

Hosted by the Lab’s Prototype Fabrication Division, the Machinist Apprentice Program is the only program of its kind in New Mexico. The program is 2-years and competency based. It is divided into four (4) modules which include safety, job planning, manual machining, CNC programming and machining, wire EDM, and more. The entire program is registered with the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) and the State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA).

 At the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll have the prestige and respect of a Journeyperson's certification and, a possible opportunity to join the Los Alamos team as full-time machinist.

In the program, you will:

•  Participate in on-the-job training in a machine shop setting
• Get paid a competitive salary to train as a machinist, with pay increases as you progress through the program
• Learn hands-on training in manual machining, CNC machining and programming, wire EDM, and more!
• Earn a Journeyperson’s Certification upon completion
• Follow criteria developed by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS)
• Upon successful completion, have the opportunity for a full-time position as a machinist at Los Alamos National Laboratory, with a salary higher than the national average
  
  

On-the-job training

Apprentices work alongside qualified journeyperson instructors and machinists in both classroom settings and in LANL machine shops to achieve milestones based on the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Certified Machinist Training and MAP Curriculum, as well as curriculum specific to the Lab. Apprentices will gain valuable on-the-job experience in machine shops while machining for a variety of customers and will work on a wide range of projects critical to national security.

How to Apply

The application window is generally open each year from early March to May 31.
Please submit a comprehensive resume and include a description of how you meet the minimum job requirements.

Applicants are welcome to include an optional cover letter or any other supporting documentation to further address qualifications for participation in the Machinist Apprentice Program.