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Machinist Apprentice Program

Apprenticeship program for career machinists

If you have a certificate or 2-year degree in machine tool technology; or 3+ years of relevant experience, you can become a journeyperson machinist in support of national security

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 programing 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

Map Otj Training

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.

Learn More

The Los Alamos Machinist Apprentice Program adopted the performance objectives and qualification criteria developed by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).

In partnership with industry and trade associations, NIMS developed journeyman machinist skill and performance standards called "competencies."

The Los Alamos National Laboratory Machinist Apprentice Program:

  • Meets the standards approved by the U.S. Department of Labor
  • Is approved by the New Mexico Apprenticeship Council
  • Is registered with the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions/State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA)
  • Every apprentice is registered with the SAA at time of hire. Upon completion of the program requirements, each apprentice is submitted for a certificate of completion of apprenticeship.
  • The recruitment, selection, employment, and training of apprentices shall be without discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, or sex. Qualified veteran candidates are encouraged to apply.

Candidates selected for the apprenticeship are hired as Student Term Employees. Completion of the apprenticeship does not guarantee a full time position or continued employment by the Laboratory.

Enjoy a great life in the healthiest county in the U.S. Los Alamos and its neighboring residential community White Rock are surrounded by national forest lands, parks and endless adventure for hikers, mountain bikers, rock climbers, bird watchers, skiers and more. You can be on the trail within a few minutes of getting off shift, and enjoy more than 300 days of sunshine throughout the year. Many employees also live in nearby communities such as Española, Santa Fe and Rio Rancho, where both the activities and housing offer a different set of options and awe-inspiring views.

Learn more about all our benefits including relocation, health and welfare, retirement and more on our comprehensive benefits website.