Welding Apprentice

Job Classification
Job Type: Full-Time
Location: Houston, TX Office
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Reports To: Workshop Manager 

Job Summary
The Welding Apprentice assists with welding, fabrication, and repair activities in the Workshop while developing the skills and knowledge required to become a qualified Welding Technician. The position will receive structured training and hands-on experience under the direction of experienced workshop personnel.

Successful completion of the Welding Apprentice Training Program and demonstrated competency may provide an opportunity to progress into a Welding Technician role.

Key Responsibilities
•    Assist with welding repairs and fabrication of structural components, including jibs, booms, brackets, frames, and other crane components.
•    Assist experienced technicians with the inspection, preparation, repair, and reassembly of structural components.
•    Learn and follow Tadano repair procedures, work instructions, drawings, specifications, and safety requirements.
Learn to properly prepare, measure, fit, align, and tack materials and components for welding.
•    Learn and develop proficiency in MIG and Stick (SMAW) welding techniques.
•    Safely operate and maintain welding equipment, grinders, cutting tools, torches, plasma cutters, and other fabrication equipment as trained.
•    Assist with grinding, cutting, sanding, beveling, surface preparation, and removal of damaged material.
•    Learn to read and interpret structural drawings, welding symbols, measurements, and repair instructions.
•    Accurately measure components and assist with documenting and communicating repair requirements.
•    Assist with inspections and quality checks of completed work.
•    Complete required documentation related to work performed.
•    Maintain welding equipment, tools, PPE, and work areas in a clean, safe, and organized condition.
•    Assist with workshop opening and closing activities and other production tasks as needed.
•    Participate in the Welding Apprentice Training Program and demonstrate progress toward required skills and competencies.

Note: This job description outlines the essential functions of the position but is not all-inclusive. Additional administrative tasks reasonably related to the position may be assigned.

Qualifications
•    High School Diploma or GED preferred.
•    Completion of or enrollment in a welding school, technical training program, or vocational program preferred.
•    Basic knowledge of welding principles and safe welding practices.
•    Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn welding, fabrication, and structural repair skills.
•    Ability to safely use hand tools, power tools, and shop equipment or willingness to learn.
•    Ability to read and follow written instructions, procedures, and safety requirements.
Ability to perform basic measurements and learn to work with standard and metric measurements.
•    Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
•    Strong commitment to workplace safety and proper use of required PPE.
•    Willingness to learn and develop the skills necessary to progress into a Welding Technician role.

Core Competencies
•    Safety Focus: Follows safety procedures, PPE requirements, and established workshop practices.
•    Learning & Development: Demonstrates the ability and willingness to learn new welding, fabrication, mechanical, and repair skills.
•    Quality Orientation: Takes pride in producing quality work and follows instructions and established procedures.
•    Attention to Detail: Carefully follows repair instructions, measurements, and preparation requirements.
•    Teamwork: Works effectively with experienced technicians, supervisors, and other workshop personnel.
•    Accountability: Takes responsibility for assigned tasks, asks questions when needed, and communicates concerns promptly.
•    Work Ethic: Demonstrates reliability, initiative, and a willingness to learn and develop within the trade.

Pay Range
Estimated Salary Range: $41,800 - $58,250 annually (DOE)

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Requirements
This position operates primarily in a workshop environment and may require prolonged periods of standing and working in varying temperatures, including hot and cold conditions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk; bend; stoop; squat; kneel; climb; balance; push; pull; and reach overhead. The employee must be able to safely enter and exit crane cabs and lift and/or move up to 100 pounds or more on an occasional basis. A valid driver’s license and clean driving record are required. 
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity (AAP/EEO) Statement
Tadano provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.