What are the responsibilities and job description for the Pipe Layer Trainee position at Sunrock?
Job Title
Pipe Layer Trainee – Entry-Level Utility Construction (WEX Program)
Location:
Durham, NC and surrounding areas within approximately 60 miles (Raleigh, Butner, Roxboro, Oxford, Henderson, Chapel Hill, Mebane, and nearby communities)
About Sunrock Industries
At Sunrock, we don’t just build roads — we build careers. As a vertically integrated construction materials and contracting company with more than 75 years of experience in North Carolina, we take pride in growing our team members from the ground up. Our Contracting Division specializes in heavy civil, grading, and underground utility work across the Triangle.
Position Summary
The Pipe Layer Trainee role is an entry-level opportunity designed for individuals starting a career in construction through the NCWorks Work Experience (WEX) Program. Trainees will learn how to install storm drain, water, and sewer lines while gaining hands-on experience in excavation, trench safety, and pipe installation. This is a great opportunity to build long-term skills that lead to advancement as a Pipe Layer, Equipment Operator, or Crew Foreman.
What You’ll Learn
Job Locations : Employees are expected to have their own transportation to the jobsite and be there by starting time. Start time may be adjusted due to seasons, job type, or schedule. Typically, this is 7 AM. Sunrock hires and places new hires based off open positions needed on our crews. Sunrock cannot guarantee that employees will work close to where they live. Nor can we make changes to our crews to accommodate such requests.
Guaranteed Time: You must be employed for 90 days to be eligible for assured time. Between March 15 th and December 15 th , employees are assured 24 hours. Employees must be willing and prepared to work to qualify for assured time. Between December 15th and March 15 th , employees are assured 40 hours. Again, employees must be willing and prepared to work to qualify for assured time.
Sunrock is an Equal Opportunity Employer and makes all employment decisions without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, citizen status, or any other legally protected status under local, state, or federal law.
Pipe Layer Trainee – Entry-Level Utility Construction (WEX Program)
Location:
Durham, NC and surrounding areas within approximately 60 miles (Raleigh, Butner, Roxboro, Oxford, Henderson, Chapel Hill, Mebane, and nearby communities)
About Sunrock Industries
At Sunrock, we don’t just build roads — we build careers. As a vertically integrated construction materials and contracting company with more than 75 years of experience in North Carolina, we take pride in growing our team members from the ground up. Our Contracting Division specializes in heavy civil, grading, and underground utility work across the Triangle.
Position Summary
The Pipe Layer Trainee role is an entry-level opportunity designed for individuals starting a career in construction through the NCWorks Work Experience (WEX) Program. Trainees will learn how to install storm drain, water, and sewer lines while gaining hands-on experience in excavation, trench safety, and pipe installation. This is a great opportunity to build long-term skills that lead to advancement as a Pipe Layer, Equipment Operator, or Crew Foreman.
What You’ll Learn
- How to install ductile iron, RCP, and PVC pipe for storm, water, and sewer systems
- How to work safely around heavy equipment such as excavators, dozers, and backhoes
- How to set and align pipe to proper line and grade
- Basic trenching, grading, and backfilling techniques
- Daily safety procedures and teamwork on active construction sites
- Assist with jobsite setup, trenching, and pipe installation
- Shovel, clean, and prepare work areas for the crew
- Follow all safety directions and wear PPE at all times
- Support equipment operators and pipe layers with daily tasks
- Participate in on-the-job training provided by experienced Sunrock team members
- Keep tools and equipment clean and organized
- No experience required – training provided by Sunrock in partnership with the WEX program
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must have reliable transportation to job sites within 60 miles of Durham, NC
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
- Must be physically able to lift up to 50 pounds and perform repetitive manual tasks
- Willingness to learn and follow directions in a team environment
- Monday–Friday, 8–12 hour shifts (daytime hours, occasional Saturdays)
- Overtime opportunities may be available
- Paid hands-on training through the NCWorks WEX partnership
- Opportunity to advance to full-time employment upon successful completion
- Safety-first culture and supportive crew environment
- Steady work on long-term construction projects
- Career growth into equipment operation, utilities, or grading
Job Locations : Employees are expected to have their own transportation to the jobsite and be there by starting time. Start time may be adjusted due to seasons, job type, or schedule. Typically, this is 7 AM. Sunrock hires and places new hires based off open positions needed on our crews. Sunrock cannot guarantee that employees will work close to where they live. Nor can we make changes to our crews to accommodate such requests.
Guaranteed Time: You must be employed for 90 days to be eligible for assured time. Between March 15 th and December 15 th , employees are assured 24 hours. Employees must be willing and prepared to work to qualify for assured time. Between December 15th and March 15 th , employees are assured 40 hours. Again, employees must be willing and prepared to work to qualify for assured time.
Sunrock is an Equal Opportunity Employer and makes all employment decisions without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, citizen status, or any other legally protected status under local, state, or federal law.
