Apprenticeship

Image

LLNL's Machinist Apprenticeship Program

Engineering’s 4-year Machinist Apprenticeship Program is California-certified, offers paid education plus training in the machine-tool trade, and provides the potential for a permanent job upon graduation.  

Apprentices receive roughly 8,000 hours of education and experience, including hands-on training under journey-level mentors and supplemental instruction on technical theory. Program graduates earn a Journeyman Certificate issued by the State and/or U.S. Department of Labor. 

Apprentice at a computer in a machine shop
The mentorship at the Lab has been extraordinary from day one and continues to surprise me. I'm always feeling grateful for good teachers.
- Ana Gallira,
Machinist apprentice program graduate

What Engineering Machinist Apprentices Do
 

  • Manufacture complex products under mentorship from senior machinists 

  • Use state-of-the-art equipment to produce components for cutting-edge science 

  • Rotate through a series of learning areas, performing hands-on machining 

 

Apprenticeship Qualifications
 

  • A high-school diploma, GED, or equivalent, with completed shop math, mechanical drawing, agricultural engineering, or other relevant courses 

  • A passing score on the LLNL apprentice aptitude exam 

  • Basic knowledge of and experience with shop equipment, tools, procedures, and materials 

  • Basic math skills, including geometry and trigonometry 

  • A valid CA driver’s license, able to operate 6,000 lb. fork truck 

  • Must be medically able to wear respiratory and protective equipment 

  • The ability to pass drug tests and obtain top-secret government clearance 

 

Apprentice fabricating a new part

Check Out Our
Apprenticeship Openings

We accept 2-5 apprentices each year, keeping cohorts small to enable hands-on learning. Positions open in winter for a summer start.

See Open Apprenticeships

See Yourself Here

Engineering has a full range of manufacturing and technical services to assist with LLNL program needs. The facilities that provide these services are collectively known as “The Manufacturing Service Center”—learn more below. 

 

Mechanical Engineering Division (MED) Area Machine Shops

read more +

High Explosives Processing

read more +

Dimensional Inspection Laboratory

read more +

Laser Processing Facility

read more +

Main Bay

read more +

Metal Finishing and Plating Shop

read more +

Optic Shop

read more +

Precision Shop

read more +

Sheetmetal Shop

read more +

Special Materials Machining Facility (SMMF)

read more +

Target Fabrication Shop

read more +

Water Jet Shop

read more +

Weld Shop

read more +

 

 

×
 
 

Current Openings

 

Want more?

See all

Need more information? Contact Larry Sage at sage5 [at] llnl.gov (sage5[at]llnl[dot]gov) or (925) 423-8327 OR Jason Carroll at carroll17 [at] llnl.gov (carroll17[at]llnl[dot]gov) or (925) 424-4369.