Sterling Spring – Tool Shop Apprentice

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Website Sterling Spring

Priority Deadline: October 23, 2026

Job Title: Tool Shop Apprentice

Hours Per Week: 25 – 40 (flexible, but fixed schedule during company’s core business hours.)

Wage: $17 starting wage

Start Date:  November 2026

Apprenticeship Term: 12 Months

Eligibility: Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Enrollment in a CCC academic program during the apprenticeship program is mandatory. 

Location: On-site in 7171 W. 65th Street, Bedford Park, IL 60638

Modality: In-person (not a remote position)

About Sterling Spring

Sterling Spring LLC is a family-owned and operated manufacturer headquartered in the Chicago area. We produce custom compression, extension, and torsion springs, along with wire forms, stampings, 4-slide parts, and assemblies, working with wire sizes from .002″ to 1.00″.

As a family business, we believe our people are our greatest strength. We are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and supportive work environment where every team member is valued. Much of our work is specialized, so we invest in our employees through hands-on, on-the-job training alongside experienced craftspeople. We welcome candidates who are early in their careers and eager to learn. No prior spring manufacturing experience is required; we will teach you the skills you need and support your growth every step of the way.

About the Apprenticeship Opportunity 

This is an on-site, paid apprenticeship for a Toolroom Apprentice at Sterling Spring’s Bedford Park, IL facility. Working alongside experienced mentors, you will learn to set up and operate CNC and spring-forming equipment used to manufacture springs, wire forms, and related products. As your skills grow, you’ll read and interpret blueprints, make machine adjustments, perform quality checks, and help troubleshoot production issues, all while maintaining a clean and safe work environment. 

Earn: A competitive hourly wage while you learn a lucrative skill set  

Learn: Current enrollment at City Colleges of Chicago in a manufacturing program. Completed or on track to complete during the apprenticeship: Intro to Advanced Manufacturing I, II, II; Intro to Manual Machining, Manual Machining II

Qualifications

  •  High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
  • Currently enrolled at City Colleges of Chicago in a manufacturing program. Completed or on track to complete during the apprenticeship: Intro to Advanced Manufacturing I, II, II; Intro to Manual Machining, Manual Machining II
  • GPA of 2.5 or higher
  • Positive attitude, eagerness to learn, and willingness to take feedback from mentors
  • Strong interest in manufacturing and learning a skilled trade
  • Good attention to detail and a willingness to take pride in precise, quality work
  • Basic math skills, including fractions, decimals, and measurements
  • Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
  • Reliable, punctual, and committed to working safely and keeping a clean, organized workspace
  • Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 10 lbs

Preferred (not required)

  • Mechanical aptitude or hands-on experience (e.g., shop class, auto repair, building or fixing things)
  • Coursework or certificates in manufacturing, machining, or a related technical field
  • Familiarity with measuring tools such as calipers or micrometers
  • Any prior work in a manufacturing, warehouse, or production setting

What You’ll Learn
Through on-the-job training and related classroom instruction, apprentices will develop skills in:

  • Setting up and operating spring coiling, forming, and CNC equipment
  • Quality control practices, inspection, and meeting customer specifications
  • Reading and interpreting technical blueprints and specifications
  • Routine machine maintenance and troubleshooting
  • Shop safety and best practices

Before you Apply:

Click here to download sample resume and cover letter

Resume Template

Cover Letter Template

Contact the Career Development Department at your campus for assistance with your résumé, cover letter or interviewing workshops:

Contact through Navigate

  • Daley College – Lisset Diaz  – on Navigate
  • Harold Washington College – Julie McCarthy, Jasmin Dobson OR Ashley Smith – on Navigate
  • Kennedy-King College – Ingrid Prioleau Byrd – on Navigate

Contact through email:

  • Malcolm X College  MXC-Careers@ccc.edu
  • Olive-Harvey College –  Charlene Haymond-Bussell  –  chaymond-bussell@ccc.edu
  • Truman College –  Meredith Gallo – mgallo7@ccc.edu
  • Wilbur Wright College – Joe Reaves – jreaves@ccc.edu

Tagged as: #CNC, #Manufacuturing

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