Weld Apprenticeship

Welder Development Trainee

At RLWS, a welder development trainee will be learning various manual welding processes to satisfactory product standards and specifications, and ensures all items meet RLWS quality standards. Welders operate pencil grinders, disk grinders, cutoff wheels, hand drills, and other metal working hand tools. The welder must utilize the overhead crane and forklifts to assist with moving material. All RLWS employees are expected to work in a manner in which quality of work and safety are top priorities. This is achieved by following safety procedures and work instructions, and, keeping the work area clean and organized. Welders work in a fast-paced environment both independently and as part of a team.

This program will consist of two parts: an onboarding phase and a training phase. The onboarding phase can be completed as full-time (3 months) or part-time (6 months); the training phase must be completed as full-time employment (3 months).

• Perform various manual welding processes to RLWS quality standards and expectations
• Interpret manufacturing drawings to achieve proper welds and part acceptability.
• Operate the overhead crane and forklift to move material
• Grind parts and occasionally blast parts before or after welding operations
• Work in a small group setting and independently to complete required workload
• Operate power tools and basic hand tools
• Other job functions as assigned

This position requires individuals to study material outside of work hours to pass written tests with 70% accuracy or better. Individuals will also take practical tests throughout training. All written and practical tests must be passed in order to complete the training program. Individuals who complete the weld development program are asked to complete a two (2) year employment agreement.

Applicants should have no current restrictions for the following physical activities:

• Frequent lifting <50#
• Frequent standing on concrete floor
• Frequent walking
• Frequent overhead crane operation
• Frequent reaching below waist
• Regular bending, twisting or standing for long periods of time
• Frequent climbing
• Occasional use of creeper task specific
• Occasional sitting for welding operations
• Occasional carrying of product <50#
• Occasional lifting of 75#
• Occasional reaching above shoulders
• Occasional pushing and pulling
• Occasional forklift operation
• Typical indoor manufacturing environment with varying temperature extremes
• Fast-paced environment with deadline expectations
• PPE: Safety shoes, safety glasses, gloves, face shield, hard hat, ear plugs, welding helmet, FR welding sleeves and/or jacket* All PPE except for safety shoes and welding helmet are provided by RLWS.

A high school diploma or equivalent is required to begin the second part of this program. No experience as a welder is necessary, just a passion for the profession. Candidates will need to pass pre-assessment tests for reading and math skills.

Ideal candidates will have the following skills and abilities:

• Good hand-eye coordination and dexterity
• Knowledge and experience with basic hand tools
• Strong math skills required
• Good communication skills required
• Ability to efficiently read a tape measure and other inspection tools