Economic Development Director Jobs in Mauldin, SC

Job Title: Training Manager – Pipe Fitter & Welder Apprenticeship Program

Location: Duncan, SC

Job Type: Full-time

Job Summary: We are seeking a skilled, hands-on, and mission-driven Training Manager to build and lead a formal Pipe Fitter and Welder Apprenticeship Program from the ground up. This role is critical to the long-term growth and workforce sustainability of our specialty fabrication operations serving the data center and life sciences construction markets. The Training Manager will design and deliver a structured curriculum, secure available state workforce development funding, teach hands-on in the shop alongside apprentices, and drive continuous skill development across our existing craft workforce.

Success in this role is defined by measurable outcomes: the graduation of a first cohort of 5 qualified pipe fitters and 5 qualified welders within 12 months of formal program launch, and a demonstrable improvement in the skill proficiency of our existing craft workforce. This is an on-the-floor leadership role requiring equal parts curriculum rigor, grant-writing capability, and hands-on teaching.

Key Responsibilities:

Apprenticeship Program Development & Curriculum Design

• Design and develop a formal apprenticeship curriculum for pipe fitters and welders, encompassing both classroom instruction and hands-on shop training aligned with industry standards (ASME B31.1, B31.3, B31.9, AWS D1.1, AWS D18.1).
• Structure the program into defined learning modules covering pipe layout and measurement, fitting techniques, weld process theory (SMAW, GTAW, FCAW), blueprint reading, material identification, and quality/safety standards.
• Establish a formal competency assessment framework with milestone evaluations, weld qualification testing, and apprentice progression criteria that align with applicable certifications (AWS, NCCER, or equivalent).

Hands-On Instruction & Shop Teaching

• Serve as a primary hands-on instructor in the fabrication shop, demonstrating and teaching pipe fitting layout, tack-up, and assembly techniques alongside apprentices.
• Lead welding instruction for SMAW, GTAW, and applicable flux-core processes; personally demonstrate techniques, coach posture and technique, and evaluate weld samples.
• Conduct or coordinate classroom sessions covering trade theory, code requirements, blueprint reading, safety regulations (OSHA 10/30), and quality documentation practices.

Workforce Development Funding & Grant Management

• Research, identify, and pursue state and federal workforce development funding opportunities, including apprenticeship grants, registered apprenticeship program (RAP) incentives, and economic development workforce initiatives applicable to South Carolina.
• Prepare and submit grant applications, maintain required documentation, and manage compliance reporting for any secured funding programs.
• Build and maintain relationships with SC Technical College System, SC Department of Employment and Workforce, and relevant apprenticeship intermediaries to maximize available program support.

Existing Workforce Skills Development

• Assess current skill levels of existing pipe fitters and welders through structured evaluations and informal observation on the shop floor.
• Develop and deliver targeted skills upgrade training for journeymen and experienced craft workers, including weld process certification prep, code updates, and advanced fitting techniques.
• Work with production leadership to schedule skills training around project workflow to minimize disruption and maximize shop floor participation.

Program Administration & Compliance

• Maintain all training records, apprentice progression documentation, weld qualification logs, and attendance records required by any applicable registered apprenticeship program or funding agency.
• Ensure all training activities meet OSHA, company safety policy, and applicable fabrication quality system requirements (including ITP alignment for regulated-market projects).
• Coordinate with HR and operations leadership on apprentice onboarding, timekeeping, wage progression schedules, and program documentation.

Apprentice Recruitment & Cohort Management

• Partner with FabLogix craft recruiter to identify and screen apprenticeship candidates from trade schools, community colleges, workforce development pipelines, and direct applicant pools.
• Conduct structured candidate orientations, set program expectations, and establish a cohort-based onboarding schedule targeting 5 pipe fitter and 5 welder apprentices within the first 12 months of program launch.
• Provide ongoing mentorship and pastoral support to apprentices, tracking attendance, attitude, progress, and retention with early intervention for at-risk participants.

Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Track and report key program metrics to company leadership, including apprentice progress, completion rates, skills assessment scores, funding utilization, and ROI on training investment.
• Continuously evaluate and improve the curriculum based on apprentice outcomes, production feedback, and changes to applicable codes, standards, or client quality requirements.

• Champion a culture of craftsmanship, safety, and continuous learning across the fabrication workforce.

Qualifications & Skills:

Technical Skills

• Journeyman-level or higher qualification as a pipe fitter, pipefitter/welder, or combination tradesperson with demonstrated shop and field experience.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in industrial pipe fabrication, with direct experience fitting and welding to ASME B31.1, B31.3, or equivalent codes.
• Current or ability to obtain active weld certifications (SMAW, GTAW, FCAW); AWS CWI credential preferred or willingness to obtain.
• Prior experience developing or delivering trade training, apprenticeship instruction, or journeyman-level skills coaching in a fabrication or construction environment.
• Working knowledge of state and federal workforce development programs, registered apprenticeship frameworks (DOL-RAP), and grant application processes is strongly preferred.
• Ability to develop structured curriculum content including written lesson plans, hands-on skill exercises, written assessments, and competency checklists.
• Proficiency reading isometric drawings, weld maps, bill of materials, and pipe fabrication spool drawings.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to teach effectively to diverse learning styles and experience levels.

Professional Attributes

• Passionate about developing craft talent and building the next generation of skilled tradespeople
• Leads from the shop floor — equally comfortable in a welding hood as in a classroom
• Organized, accountable, and capable of managing curriculum, funding compliance, and apprentice records simultaneously
• Patient and effective teacher with high standards for quality and safety
• Collaborative with production leadership, HR, and recruiting to make the program operationally successful

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off and company holidays.