GM Apprenticeship Program

The primary responsibilities of an apprentice include:

• Retain, apply, and follow all safety procedures and OSHA standards.
• Perform emergency rescue tasks, including from heights, per Pre-Task Plan. Complete and maintain First Aid, CPR, and AED certification.
• Maintain work areas according to safety and Workplace Organization (WPO) standards.
• Accurately follow verbal and written instructions from Journeypersons and supervisors.
• Assist in installation, maintenance, repair, and fabrication of equipment, tools, or components as directed.
• Participate in preventative maintenance activities as assigned.
• Support troubleshooting efforts by learning diagnostic techniques, resolving issues, evaluating alternatives, and implementing efficient repairs.
• Learn to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and schematics relevant to assigned trade.
• Apply mathematical skills to job-related tasks.
• Use computers and tablets for basic tasks (training modules, documentation).
• Learn and support Global Manufacturing System (GMS) and Built-In Quality (BIQ) standards by following established processes and applying guidance from experienced team members.
• Collaborate with team members and demonstrate willingness to learn.
• Communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing, with all team members and management.
• Organize and prioritize multiple tasks with varying deadlines.
• Engage in continuous improvement activities and apply feedback to develop skills.
• Demonstrate adaptability and commitment to learning new technologies and processes.
• Maintain reliable attendance and professionalism in a manufacturing environment.

Interested individuals must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Complete the GM-UAW Skilled Trades Apprenticeship Readiness Certificate (STARC) program with a grade in all four classes of (75%) or better for Manufacturing sites and / or 85% or better for Engineering sites
• Must be able to satisfactorily complete the General Motors hiring process requirements which includes drug testing and a background check
• At least 18 years of age 
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Eligible to work for GM in the United States and be able to present proof of their identity and work authorization within three days of beginning employment.
• Must be willing to work flexible shift hours and day, afternoon, or night shift as well as overtime hours daily, weekends and holidays on those shifts with little notice 

• This position requires the ability to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to perceive and respond promptly to safety signals, alarms, and instructions, and follow established protocols.
• Stand for extended periods (up to 10+ hours per shift); occasional sitting during certain tasks.
• Comfortably wear and use personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators, harnesses, electrical safety work practices (ESWP) gear, and clean room attire.
• Navigate a busy manufacturing environment safely.
• Perform physical activities such as bending, twisting, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing, balancing, and reaching.
• Lift and carry materials weighing up to 50 lbs.; operate tools and equipment safely.
• Operate mobile and elevated equipment (e.g., forklifts, aerial lifts, scissor lifts, scaffolding, ladders) as required.
• Must be clean shaven at the time of annual respirator fit testing and at the time of any job task that requires such protection.
• Work in confined spaces (permit and non-permit required).
• Ability to obtain and maintain physical certification for safe operation of mobile equipment (aerial lifts, scissor lifts, forklifts, scaffolding, ladders) within a weight capacity of 130–310 lbs., including clothing and tools
• Demonstrate manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and ability to read gauges and safety signals.
• Distinguish color-coded signage and systems.
• Ability to work in an environment with moderate exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) and multiple welding currents.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with noise, heat, cold, dust, and elevated surfaces or heights.

The compensation range for an Apprentice is $37.42 – $41.35 per hour. Exact hourly pay rate is dependent on location and role type. 

You should first express interest in the GM-UAW Apprenticeship Program by joining the apprenticeship talent community. This is how external prospects can show their interest in a potential opportunity to be hired as an Apprentice at General Motors in the future. 

Prior to applying to become a GM-UAW Apprentice, you must successfully complete the GM-UAW Skilled Trades Apprenticeship Readiness Certificate (STARC) program at Penn Foster by passing four (4) specific college level courses with a grade of 85% (75%) or better to work in our Manufacturing facilities or 85% or better to work in our Engineering facilities. The four (4) courses are: Basic Shop Related Mathematics, Basic Blueprint Reading for Skilled Trades, Trades Related Preparation (Spatial and Mechanical Reasoning) and Algebra 101. For more information about the STARC program, visit the Penn Foster website. 

In order to be considered as an eligible applicant for GM's Apprenticeship Program, you must register to take these courses at Penn Foster through this link, here.

Upon successful completion of the STARC program, you will subsequently be placed on our STARC Ready List, making yourself eligible to potentially receive a job offer as a GM-UAW Apprentice in the future.

The Apprentice employee is:

• Reclassified as a corporate journeyperson with transfer rights,
• Eligible to apply for DOL - ETA - 671 document showing completion of a DOL recognized apprenticeship program,
• Eligible to appropriate Journeyperson compensation per site and skillset which you are classified under, and 
• Eligible to apply for an UAW journeyperson card.

Roles which Apprentices can be placed in include:

• Die Maker
• Electrician
• Experimental Assembler Inspector
• Experimental Laboratory Paint Technician
• Machine Repair
• Millwright
• Metal Model Maker
• Wood Model Maker
• Pattern Maker (Metal,Wood)
• Pipefitter
• Toolmaker

The Apprenticeship Program is currently offered in multiple locations throughout the United States including: 

• Indiana (Bedford, Fort Wayne, Marion)
• Kansas (Fairfax)
• Kentucky (Bowling Green)
• Michigan (Bay City, Factory Zero, Flint, GM Tech Center - Warren, Lansing, Milford, Orion, Pontiac, Rochester, Romulus)
• Missouri (Wentzville)
• New York (Lockport, Tonawanda)
• Ohio (Defiance, Toledo)
• Tennessee (Spring Hill)
• Texas (Arlington)

Relocation and travel expenses will be the responsibility of the applicant. 

All on-the-job-training and related-instruction hours are paid to the apprentice at a competitive rate. The apprentice also receives a tool and book allowance, up to $1,800, while also being eligible for benefits. 

The compensation range for an Apprentice is $37.42 – $41.35 per hour. Exact hourly pay rate is dependent on location and role type. 

This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate. 

GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc.)