Career Launch Chicago-Focal Point Light-Press Brake Apprentice
Website Focal Point
Closing date: July 7, 2026
Job Title: Press Brake Apprentice
Hours per week: 20-25 hours
Modality: In-Person
Location: 4141 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60632
Salary: $18.00 an Hour
Starts: September 08, 2026
Duration: 1 year
Company: Focal Point
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Press Brake operators bend sheet metal flats using a hydraulic CNC Press Brake (Cincinnati, Accurpress, Bystronic) with various tool punch/die sets to achieve desired formed shapes per specification blueprints, after blanking and before sub-assembly. Operators at level 1 will run and set up a minimum of 1 machine on their own. Press Brake Operators are key to Focal Point’s operation as they transform upstream flat patterns into working geometries for Sub-Assembly, Paint and Final Assembly.
Responsibilities
- Perform a series of activities to fabricate lighting fixtures including
- Set up, operate, control and adjust a variety of Brake Presses
- Performs highly complex contour machining of the company products or parts
- Inspection of finished parts using calipers, micrometers, gauges
- performs basic maintenance check- ups before starting the machine through the zonar program
- Troubleshoots setups and adjust programs accordingly
- Responsible for verifying the quality of the fixtures at any point on the process
- Responsible for filling out daily production logs and report overall production within the ERP system
- Correctly follow and interpret blue prints
- Cross trains with others machine operators
- Maintain housekeeping within the working area
- Participate in Kaizen events
- Reports any incidents, accidents in the property or machinery to his/her direct supervisor
- Follows all safety and environmental rules, policies and safe work practices
Good to Have:
- Verbal communication skills
Working Conditions:
- Warehouse environment with non-controlled temperature
Youth Apprenticeship Details
Participants will:
- Receive career-focused coaching and job readiness support
- Connect with mentors, employers, and industry professionals
- Receive wrap around support from CLC’s Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator
For you to be a successful in the Pre-Apprenticeship you are:
- A student who takes initiative
- Goal-oriented and motivated to grow
- Comfortable learning in a self-paced environment
Eligibility and Next Steps to Apply for the Youth Apprenticeship
Current City Colleges Students
CCC students enrolled in Advanced Manufacturing courses are eligible to complete a youth apprenticeship application.
Apply Below When You Are Eligible (enrolled in pharm tech degree courses)
Get a head start on your pharm tech career and position yourself for future opportunities.


