Shop Fabricator & Welding Apprentice

You are an entry level Shop Fabricator & Welding Apprentice who also has begun to learn to weld and wants to build a long-term career in shop fabrication. This position is not limited to welding, you will also learn how to measure, layout, cut, bend, form, and assemble sheet metal. You will receive hands-on training in welding and sheet metal fabrication while supporting the shop team in producing quality HVAC ductwork, fittings, and specialty metal products. As an apprentice, you will be responsible for fabricating and welding various types of sheet metal products using TIG welding techniques. The right person is dependable, safety-minded, coachable, and willing to learn all parts of the HVAC fabrication process.

Essential Functions / Responsibilities

• Learn and safely perform basic MIG, TIG, and SMAW welding on carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminium under the direction of experienced team members.
• Assist with the fabrication and assembly of HVAC ductwork, fittings, and specialty sheet metal products.
• Learn to measure, lay out, cut, bend, form, fit, weld, grind, and finish metal components to shop standards.
• Learn to read and interpret shop drawings, blueprints, field sketches, dimensions, weld symbols, and fabrication instructions.
• Become familiar with different gauges and types of sheet metal, including their tolerances, bend allowances, working characteristics, and appropriate applications.
• Learn to operate shop tools and equipment such as hand tools, power tools, shears, press brakes, hand benders, roll-forming equipment, Pittsburgh machines, plasma cutters, and layout software.
• Inspect work for accurate dimensions, fit, finish, and overall quality; ask questions and correct issues as part of the learning process.
• Work as part of the shop team by helping with material handling, staging, assembly, cleanup, and other fabrication needs, even when a task does not involve welding.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area and consistently use required personal protective equipment.
• Provide field support when needed, including delivering or assisting with the installation of shop-built components on active job sites.
• Participate in the company training path and the four-year sheet metal apprenticeship program, as applicable.

Competencies

• A genuine interest in learning welding, sheet metal fabrication, and the HVAC industry.
• Beginning-level welding exposure or training; professional welding experience is not required.
• A positive attitude and the ability to function effectively in a team-oriented work environment.
• A team-first attitude and willingness to help wherever needed in the shop.
• Coachability, reliability, attention to detail, and the ability to apply feedback.
• Attentive and has the ability to apply what is learned.
• Good communication skills and organization skills, has the ability to meet deadlines.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; trade school certification or technical training is a plus.
• Familiarity with shop layout optimization and material handling.
• Basic knowledge of HVAC systems and installation practices.
• OSHA 10 is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of sheet metal fabrication techniques, tools, and equipment.
• Basic mathematical skills for measurements and calculations.
• Forklift certification is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of sheet metal fabrication techniques, tools, and equipment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move materials weighing up to 50 lbs or more.
• Capable of standing, bending, and working on feet for 8 hours per shift.
• Occasionally required to push, pull, climb, or balance during tasks.
• Operate fabrication machinery with precision.
• Maintain and wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection and steel-toe boots at all times.