Job Overview
Guycan Plastics is seeking a motivated Thermoforming Setup Mechanic Apprentice to learn the setup, operation, adjustment, maintenance, and troubleshooting of thermoforming equipment used to manufacture food-contact plastic packaging.
This is an entry-level apprenticeship position intended for someone with strong mechanical aptitude who is interested in developing a skilled career in manufacturing. Previous thermoforming experience is not required. The successful candidate will receive hands-on training from experienced setup mechanics and production personnel.
The apprentice will begin by assisting with equipment preparation, tooling changes, production startups, inspections, documentation, and basic troubleshooting. Responsibilities will increase as the apprentice demonstrates the ability to perform tasks safely, independently, and consistently.
Responsibilities
Apprenticeship and Technical Training
- Learn how thermoforming equipment, trim presses, molds, plug assists, dies, and auxiliary equipment operate.
- Assist experienced mechanics with machine setups, tooling changes, adjustments, and production changeovers.
- Learn to install and remove molds, trim tooling, plug assists, and related machine components.
- Develop the ability to read setup sheets, drawings, product specifications, and work instructions.
- Learn to set and adjust temperatures, pressure, vacuum, timing, and line speed under supervision.
- Progress toward completing machine setups and production startups independently.
Production and Process Support
- Assist with equipment preparation and pre-operational inspections before production begins.
- Monitor formed products for defects such as webbing, thinning, distortion, incomplete forming, or improper trimming.
- Learn how to make basic equipment and process adjustments to maintain product quality.
- Support first-article inspections and production approvals.
- Communicate equipment, tooling, or product concerns to the setup mechanic, supervisor, maintenance team, or Quality Assurance.
Mechanical and Equipment Support
- Assist with diagnosing mechanical, pneumatic, vacuum, and basic electrical issues.
- Perform basic repairs and preventative maintenance under the direction of experienced personnel.
- Help inspect, clean, organize, and properly store tools, molds, dies, and machine components.
- Report damaged tooling, loose components, unusual equipment sounds, or recurring production problems.
- Follow all lockout/tagout, machine guarding, and equipment safety procedures.
GMP, SQF and Food Safety Compliance
- Follow all Good Manufacturing Practices, SQF requirements, food safety programs, and company procedures.
- Verify that tooling, molds, and product-contact surfaces are clean and approved before installation.
- Follow handwashing, hygiene, uniform, hairnet, beard-net, glove, and personal protective equipment requirements.
- Maintain control of tools, fasteners, machine components, and other potential foreign-material hazards.
- Immediately report contamination risks, food safety concerns, damaged equipment, or non-conforming products.
- Participate in training, inspections, corrective actions, and continuous improvement activities.
Documentation and Recordkeeping
- Assist with completing setup forms, pre-operational checklists, production records, inspection forms, and downtime logs.
- Ensure records are accurate, legible, complete, and submitted on time.
- Learn and follow the company’s traceability and SQF documentation requirements.
Safety and Housekeeping
- Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work area.
- Properly store tools, parts, materials, and cleaning supplies.
- Follow all workplace safety rules and immediately report unsafe conditions.
- Assist with cleaning equipment and work areas during changeovers and at the end of production runs.
- Assist experienced mechanics with machine setups, tooling changes, adjustments, and production changeovers.
- Learn to install and remove molds, trim tooling, plug assists, and related machine components.
- Develop the ability to read setup sheets, drawings, product specifications, and work instructions.
- Learn to set and adjust temperatures, pressure, vacuum, timing, and line speed under supervision.
- Progress toward completing machine setups and production startups independently.
Qualifications
- Strong mechanical aptitude and interest in learning industrial machinery.
- Previous experience using hand tools, power tools, machinery, automotive equipment, or mechanical systems is an asset.
- Manufacturing, machine-operating, maintenance, construction, automotive, or technical-school experience is an asset but not required.
- Ability to follow instructions, procedures, and safety requirements.
- Willingness to learn, accept feedback, and develop new technical skills.
- Strong attendance, punctuality, and reliability.
- Ability to communicate clearly and work effectively as part of a team.
- Ability to stand for extended periods and safely lift up to 50 pounds.
- Flexibility to work different shifts or overtime when required.
What We Offer
- Starting wage of CA$20.00 per hour.
- Wage increases based on demonstrated skills, performance, and progression through training.
- Hands-on training in thermoforming machine setup, tooling, troubleshooting, maintenance, food safety, and quality control.
- Opportunity to develop into a qualified Thermoforming Setup Mechanic.
- Full-time, long-term employment in a growing Canadian manufacturing company.
- Opportunities for increased responsibility and advancement.
Candidates with limited manufacturing experience are encouraged to apply. We are looking for someone who is mechanically inclined, dependable, safety-conscious, and committed to learning a skilled trade.
Pay: From $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
