Shop Fabricator & Welding Apprentice

New England Air Systems•Williston, VT

About The Position

This is an entry-level apprenticeship for someone who has begun learning to weld and wants to build a long-term career in shop fabrication. The role provides hands-on training in welding and sheet metal fabrication while supporting production of HVAC ductwork, fittings, and specialty metal products. Welding is only one part of the position; the apprentice will also learn to measure, lay out, cut, bend, form, fit, and assemble sheet metal. The apprentice participates in the company training path and four-year sheet metal apprenticeship program, as applicable, and may provide field support by delivering or assisting with installation of shop-built components at active job sites.

Requirements

Beginning-level welding exposure or training; professional welding experience is not required.
High school diploma or equivalent.
A genuine interest in learning welding, sheet metal fabrication, and the HVAC industry.
Positive attitude and ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment; willingness to help wherever needed in the shop.
Coachability, reliability, attention to detail, and ability to apply feedback and what is learned.
Good communication and organization skills, with the ability to meet deadlines.
Familiarity with shop layout optimization and material handling.
Basic knowledge of HVAC systems and installation practices.
Strong knowledge of sheet metal fabrication techniques, tools, and equipment.
Basic mathematical skills for measurements and calculations.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment.
Ability to lift, carry, and move materials weighing up to 50 lbs or more.
Ability to stand, bend, and work on feet for 8+ hours per shift; occasional pushing, pulling, climbing, or balancing may be required.
Ability to operate fabrication machinery with precision.
Maintain and wear PPE such as safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and steel-toe boots at all times.

Nice To Haves

Trade school certification or technical training.
OSHA 10 certification.
Forklift certification.

Responsibilities

Learn and safely perform basic MIG, TIG, and SMAW welding on carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum under the direction of experienced team members.
Assist with fabrication and assembly of HVAC ductwork, fittings, and specialty sheet metal products.
Learn to measure, lay out, cut, bend, form, fit, weld, grind, and finish metal components to shop standards.
Learn to read and interpret shop drawings, blueprints, field sketches, dimensions, weld symbols, and fabrication instructions.
Become familiar with sheet metal gauges and types, including tolerances, bend allowances, working characteristics, and applications.
Learn to operate shop tools and equipment, including hand tools, power tools, shears, press brakes, hand benders, roll-forming equipment, Pittsburgh machines, plasma cutters, and layout software.
Inspect work for accurate dimensions, fit, finish, and quality; ask questions and correct issues as part of the learning process.
Support the shop team with material handling, staging, assembly, cleanup, and other fabrication needs.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area and consistently use required personal protective equipment.
Provide field support when needed, including delivery or assistance with installation of shop-built components on active job sites.
Participate in the company training path and four-year sheet metal apprenticeship program, as applicable.