Welding Apprentice

The Welding Apprentice will initially work to learn the laborer’s responsibilities in order to support all aspects of the scope of work. During the three-year apprenticeship program, the apprentice will take part in classroom as well as on-the-job training to learn basic construction laborer skills. After the first year the apprentice will begin the formal welding training at PG Community College during the evening two nights a week as well as work their 8-hour workday five days per week. The apprentice during their apprenticeship program will learn to:

• Lagging - constructing soldier piles; excavating in small stages; backfiring and compacting the void behind the lagging.
• Underpinning - including construction footing, stem walls, driven piles or drilled piers.
• Learn to operate hand and power tools of all types.
• Read blueprints and drawings and take or read measurements to plan layout and procedures.
• Determine the right welding equipment or method based on requirements.
• Set up components for welding according to specifications (e.g., cut material with powered saws to match measurements).
• Operate angle grinders to prepare the parts that must be welded.
• Align components using calipers, rulers, clamp pieces, etc.
• Weld components using manual or semi-automatic welding equipment in various positions (vertical, horizontal, or overhead).
• Repair machinery and other components by welding pieces and filling gaps.
• Test and inspect welded surfaces and structure to discover flaws.
• Maintain equipment in a condition that does not compromise safety.

The Apprentice must be a DC Resident at the time of hiring. Over the three-year program, the apprentice will acquire 8000 hours of training in the Welding Apprenticeship Program.