Mechatronics Apprentice - Stuarts Draft Plant

Mechatronics Apprentice - Stuarts Draft Plant

Posted Date:

Apr 27, 2026

Requisition Number:

128723

Mechatronics Apprentice

Job Location: Stuarts Draft, Virginia

Summary:

The Hershey Mechatronics Apprenticeship Program is a multidisciplinary curriculum designed to train and qualify candidates in controls, electrical, mechanical and process systems.

The Mechatronics Apprenticeship Program is a 4 year curriculum.

The program includes on-site hands-on training and formal classroom training at Blue Ridge Community College and Valley Vocational Technical Center.

The apprentice must complete 8000 hours of training, miscellaneous responsibilities and assigned duties to complete the program.

Pay:

Starting pay rate: $29.30 per hour
Overtime potential
Manufacturing Incentive Plan (MIP) Eligible

Shifts:

We require that you are flexible to work any shift, weekends, overtime, and holidays
2nd Shift work schedule: Monday - Friday 2:00 pm - 10:00 pm
3rd Shift work schedule: Sunday - Thursday 10:00 pm - 6:00 am
Schedule assignments upon hire are determined by plant needs.

Once your training period begins, you will be assigned to 1st shift for approximately 1 year, then moved to 2nd or 3rd shift.
Regular schedule is 8-hour shifts. Mandatory overtime could be weekly, daily and/or weekends

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Meet or exceed all defined skills development criteria referenced in the Mechatronics Apprenticeship Program document

Meet or exceed all defined Hershey Values evaluations as defined in the Mechatronics Apprenticeship Program document

Complete the apprenticeship program within the 5- year period as outlined in the Mechatronics Apprenticeship Program document.

Earn a 3.0 GPA, or better, in all required college and vocational courses

Undertake and complete college and vocational coursework outside of normal work hours, and during non-paid time

Work a normally scheduled 8-1/2 hour shift, 5 days per week

As needed work 2nd or 3rd shifts; educational commitments and out-of-work commitments and priorities will be reviewed before altering the work shift of an Apprentice; however, significant exposure to 2nd and 3rd shift during the 5-year program will be properly planned and scheduled

Work overtime including weekends and holidays as scheduled, or as needed

Accept constructive and critical feedback from technical subject matter experts in a manner that further develops one's skills and leadership traits

Minimum Qualifications:

Must be at least 18 years of age

Must possess a High School Diploma / GED

Must be flexible to work any shift (1st, 2nd and 3rd shift)

Must be available to work weekends, holidays and overtime at the conclusion of the apprenticeship program

Must be able to lift up to 25-50 lbs

Must be authorized to work in the United States

Must be able to read, write and comprehend English

Must possess ability to read and interpret blueprints and drawings

Must possess computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel

Must possess an understanding of mechanics and mechanisms

Must possess an understanding of electricity

Must possess math skills with a demonstrated knowledge of algebra and geometry

Preferred Qualifications:

Successful completion of a 2-year technical vocational curriculum (certificate or diploma received) with a concentrated focus in one of the following fields:

industrial maintenance mechanics, industrial electricity and/or electronics, computer and logic programming, precision machining, welding, or other technical trade aligned with the Mechatronics Apprenticeship Program

In lieu of successfully completing a 2-year technical vocational program in one of the above noted fields, successful completion of a 2-year Associates Degree in an engineering field of study, e.g., mechanical engineering or electrical engineering

Continued technical education beyond the 2-year technical vocational program or engineering Associates Degree program

Knowledge of AutoCAD programs

An understanding of industrial safety practices and procedures

Physical Demands:

Light to moderate physical effort required

Must be able to frequently lift up to 25 - 50 lbs

Regularly required to stand, reach, squat, climb steps, and move around machinery

Repetitive use of hands, wrists, and forearms

Working Conditions:

Work will be performed within a manufacturing facility.

The use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required to include but not limited to safety toe shoes, ear plugs, safety glasses/goggles, bump caps, hair and beard nets, and gloves.

Wearing company issued uniforms is a requirement.

Other Requirements:

Candidate must submit a current resume and transcript of grades obtained for all completed technical training courses, certificate programs, and diploma programs

Candidate will be required to interview for the position; the interview will involve meeting with multiple subject matter experts and plant leadership team members

Candidate must successfully pass both mechanical and electrical written NOCTI and hands-on aptitude assessment tests during the 5- year program.

The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The policy of The Hershey Company is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual's race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other categories protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Minority/Female/Disabled/Protected Veterans.

You may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our online application process as a result of a disability.
You can request an accommodation via phone or email.

To request an accommodation via phone, please call

and leave a voicemail with your contact information.

You may also email a request for accommodation to . Please be sure to include "Accommodation Needed" in the subject line. This will ensure that your email is routed to the appropriate contact who will handle your request.

Nearest Major Market:

Charlottesville

Nearest Secondary Market:

Virginia