About this role
COMPANY OVERVIEW
We exist to make food the world loves. But we do more than that. Our company is a place that prioritizes being a force for good, a place to expand learning, explore new perspectives and reimagine new possibilities, every day. We look for people who want to bring their best — bold thinkers with big hearts who challenge one another and grow together. Because becoming the undisputed leader in food means surrounding ourselves with people who are hungry for what’s next.


POSITION OVERVIEW
- Maintenance Student Training Program
- $21.00 per hour
- 12 Week Program
- Starts January 12th, 2027, and ends April 6th, 2027
- 20 hours per week (Monday through Friday)
Why Join Our Team
As a Maintenance Student Trainee, you will gain hands-on experience and develop technical skills in an industry leading food manufacturing facility. You will work alongside experienced maintenance professionals and operators who are committed to sharing their knowledge and helping you grow.
The Cedar Rapids plant offers numerous growth and promotion opportunities, often promoting from within for salaried positions. The plant provides competitive pay and benefits, making it one of the highest-rated employers in the area. The plant organizes holiday dinners, family days, bring your child to work day, a summer bash with families and community involvement, and a quarter-century club celebration for employees with 25 or more years of service. Fun facts include Ashton Kutcher's previous employment at the plant and his father's 35-year tenure in the fruit department. The plant is also the sole domestic producer of Betty Crocker frosting.
What We Have to Offer
- This position is not benefit eligible
Your Work Schedule and Shift Information
- 12 Week Program
- Starts January 12th, 2027, and ends April 6th, 2027
- 20 hours per week (Monday through Friday)
- Flexible, consistent, planned work schedule.
- After 6-8 weeks in program, ability to add up 20 hours for remainder of program to be used for project work; weekend or downtime work.
- Additional hours based upon performance and business needs.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
Under the direction of an experienced mechanic, you will:
- Install, maintain, repair, and replace industrial processing and packaging machinery, tools, and equipment.
- Identify and troubleshoot mechanical issues.
- Provide technical support during equipment troubleshooting and equipment modifications.
- Understand, initiate, and participate in root cause analyses.
- Perform preventive maintenance during both uptime and downtime.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to improve equipment and platform performance.
- Use technology and maintenance systems in a high-speed manufacturing environment.
- Work with experienced team members to learn safe, effective, and reliable maintenance practices.
- Attend required meetings and training sessions.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- High school diploma or GED
- Current enrollment in the second year of an Industrial Maintenance Technology degree program
- Training in the safe use of shop tools and equipment
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office
- Willingness to learn, ask questions, work safely, and contribute to a team environment.
- Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs
- Must be able to perform physical tasks for extended periods of time including standing, walking, climbing, bending, pushing, pulling and twisting over surfaces
- Ability to climb and/or work at heights while utilizing stairs, ladders, personnel lifts, or platforms
- Ability to wear protective clothing and equipment such as safety shoes, face masks, safety glasses, hearing protection, a hard hat, a hair/beard net and gloves when required
- Willing and able to adhere to all grooming requirements necessary for a food manufacturing environment
- Ability to work in hot, cold, noisy, dusty, wet environmental working conditions
- Willing to work around industrial high-speed moving machinery
- Ability to work with allergens that might be present in a food environment


ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must meet a minimum 18-year age qualification.


EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER (EOE)
General Mills is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or familial status, status regarding public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission.


Check out why General Mills Manufacturing is a great place to grow a career: