Welder Apprentice

The Welder Apprentice plays a critical support role by preparing everything the welder needs to complete jobs safely, efficiently, and with the highest quality. This position ensures materials, parts, tools, fixtures, and work areas are ready before welding begins, allowing welders to remain productive throughout the day.

This is an entry-level position designed for individuals who want to build a career in manufacturing and ultimately become a welder. The successful candidate will learn welding fundamentals through hands-on training while demonstrating a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and commitment to continuous improvement.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Abide by the company’s Quality Management System
• Prioritize customer satisfaction and maintain compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements
• Protect the company’s assets, reputation, goodwill, and marketplace stature at all costs

Essential Functions:

This position will perform the below listed duties consistently, accurately, timely, safely, and at the lowest feasible cost:

• Stage all materials, components, and hardware for upcoming welding jobs. 
• Read production schedules and prepare work before the welder needs it. 
• Gather, organize, and verify parts against work orders and engineering drawings. 
• Clean, grind, deburr, and prepare materials prior to welding. 
• Load and unload fixtures, jigs, and welding tables. 
• Keep welders supplied with materials throughout the shift to minimize downtime. 
• Transport completed weldments to the next operation. 
• Maintain an organized welding area using 5S and Lean principles. 
• Assist with material movement using carts, pallet jacks, or forklifts (when certified). 
• Maintain welding consumables including wire, shielding gas, tips, nozzles, and grinding discs. 
• Perform basic equipment cleaning and daily maintenance. 
• Remove slag, spatter, and excess material from completed weldments. 
• Verify parts are clean and ready for inspection. 
• Report shortages, damaged material, or production concerns immediately. 
• Assist welders with fixture setup and positioning of large assemblies. 
• Learn blueprint reading, measuring techniques, welding symbols, and fabrication processes. 
• Cross-train in MIG welding and fabrication as skills develop. 
• Follow all safety, quality, and company procedures. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED preferred. 
• Manufacturing experience preferred but not required. 
• Mechanical aptitude. 
• Ability to read a tape measure accurately. 
• Basic math skills. 
• Ability to use common hand and power tools. 
• Willingness to learn welding. 
• Dependable attendance. 
• Positive attitude and strong work ethic.

Success Measures:

A successful Welder Apprentice:

• Keeps welders working with minimal downtime. 
• Always has the next job prepared before it is needed. 
• Maintains organized workstations. 
• Ensures parts are accurate and ready before welding begins. 
• Demonstrates continuous improvement and initiative. 
• Learns new welding skills on a regular basis. 
• Consistently follows all safety and quality standards. 
• Is progressing toward becoming a skilled XLT Welder.

Core Values:

• Teamwork – Give more than you take
• Excellence – Strive to win at what we do
• Integrity – Do what’s right, even when it’s hard
• Respect – Treat others as you want to be treated

Physical Requirements:

• Stand and walk for up to 10 hours per shift. 
• Frequently bend, stoop, kneel, squat, and reach. 
• Lift up to 50 pounds regularly. 
• Push and pull carts of material. 
• Use grinders, hand tools, and power tools safely. 
• Wear required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and welding PPE as required.

Mental Requirements:

• Basic math skills (add, subtract, multiply, divide)
• Read, speak, and write English clearly
• Convey information effectively and judge distances, shapes, and fits

Required Reading/Development

• XLT Quality Manual
• Toyota Talent
• Kaizen Revolution
• The Little Big Things
• How to Win Friends and Influence People
• 2 Second Lean

The above statements are intended to describe the essential responsibilities of persons assigned to this role. They are not intended as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements.