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Welding Inspector Trainee Jobs in Longview, TX (NOW HIRING)

Welding Inspector Trainee information

See Longview, TX salary details

$8

$18

$32

How much do welding inspector trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for welding inspector trainee in Longview, TX is $18.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.66 and $20.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a welding inspector trainee?

Welding Inspector Trainees are individuals who are learning to inspect welded joints and structures to ensure they meet specific codes, standards, and safety regulations. Under the supervision of experienced inspectors, trainees gain hands-on experience in visual inspections, reviewing documentation, and understanding weld procedures. They typically assist with identifying welding defects, measuring weld dimensions, and reporting findings. This role is essential for developing the skills and knowledge needed to become a certified welding inspector in the future.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a welding inspector trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Welding Inspector Trainee, you need a solid understanding of welding processes, basic metallurgy, and blueprint reading, often supported by a technical diploma or relevant training. Familiarity with inspection tools, non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, and a willingness to pursue certifications like AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) are typically expected. Attention to detail, strong observation skills, and effective communication help trainees accurately assess weld quality and collaborate with welders and supervisors. These skills ensure safe, high-quality welds and compliance with industry standards, which are critical for structural integrity and project success.

What are some common challenges faced by a welding inspector trainee during their initial months on the job?

As a Welding Inspector Trainee, one of the main challenges you'll encounter is learning to accurately interpret welding codes and standards while adapting to the fast-paced environment of construction or manufacturing sites. Trainees often need to quickly develop observational skills to identify welding defects and ensure proper documentation, all while working closely with experienced inspectors, welders, and engineers. Gaining confidence in communicating findings and recommendations, sometimes in high-pressure situations, is another key aspect of the learning curve. Support from mentors and a willingness to ask questions are invaluable during this period.

What is the difference between Welding Inspector Trainee vs Welding Inspector?

AspectWelding Inspector TraineeWelding Inspector
CertificationsBasic safety and introductory welding certificationsAdvanced certifications like AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
Work EnvironmentSupervised, training-focused settings on job sitesIndependent inspections on construction, manufacturing, or industrial sites
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting inspectors, observing, learning inspection proceduresPerforming detailed weld inspections, ensuring code compliance

The main difference between a Welding Inspector Trainee and a Welding Inspector is experience and certification level. Trainees are in learning mode, assisting experienced inspectors, while inspectors are fully qualified professionals responsible for conducting inspections independently.

What are popular job titles related to Welding Inspector Trainee jobs in Longview, TX?

For Welding Inspector Trainee jobs in Longview, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Longview, TX are hiring for Welding Inspector Trainee jobs?

Cities near Longview, TX with the most Welding Inspector Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Welding Inspector Trainee job openings in Longview, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $37,577 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

877 - General Application- Job Fair- Tyler, TX.

Apave

Longview, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Apave America is immediately hiring several professionals for Nested positions for a client site located in the Tyler, TX area. This is full-time Nested employment. No Per Diem - No Travel. This is an US Based Opportunity!

Competitive Pay - Relocation or Retention Bonus Available

Seeking Experienced API Professionals with 510/570 Certifications.

NDT professionals whose focus isMT/PT/UTT

Rope Access Level III

RT Level II

Applicants who also bring any of the following will be strongly prioritized:

Requirements:

  • Minimum of three (3) years' experience working with the 510, 570, and/or 653 certifications required.
  • Additional API 653 certification will be considered an asset.
  • Valid MT/PT certifications (Level I or II depending on role).
  • ASNT ISQ UTT Certification requiredfor UTT roles.
  • State cardedRT credentials
  • Strong understanding of refinery safety and inspection environments.
  • Reliable, safety-focused, and able to work in a nested refinery setting.

Preferred Experience:

  • Weld-quality and profile RT Level II experience
  • Experience with digital radiography (DR) systems


In this role, The API 510/570 Inspector will conduct visual examinations of pressure retaining equipment such as tanks, piping, and vessels ensuring their mechanical integrity by performing visual inspections according to established API standards and codes (i.e. 510 for pressure vessels, 570 for piping), to identify potential issues, maintaining documented reports of inspection findings, recommend necessary repairs, and certifying compliance with industry regulations.


Conduct Inspections and Assessments

  • Inspect pipelines, pressure vessels, storage tanks, and other critical infrastructure for signs of wear, corrosion, cracks, leaks, or other damage.
  • Perform internal and external inspections based on industry standards like API 510 (pressure vessels), API 570 (piping)
  • Ensure compliance with relevant codes and standards (e.g., API, ASME, ASTM, NFPA, and OSHA).


In this role, the Rope Accessis responsible for carrying out standard rope access operations under the direct supervision of an authorized Level III rope access supervisor. The technician will use Industrial Rope Access methods and related equipment to access and complete a wide variety of inspection, maintenance and other industrial work tasks while on ropes or in difficult access areas. Technicians must have the ability to perform work that is physically demanding, have good communication skills and the ability to assimilate a large amount of new information. Responsibilities may also include rescue operations, technical reports and administrative tasks. Work hours, locations, shifts and nature of work assignments vary greatly, and travel may be required.


In this role, the NDT Level II RT Technicianmust have sufficient technical knowledge and skills to be qualified to set up and calibrate equipment and to interpret and evaluate results with respect to applicable codes, standards, and specifications. The RT Level II must be thoroughly familiar with thescope and limitations of the methods for which qualified and shall exercise assigned responsibility for on-the-job training and guidance of trainees and RT Level I personnel.The RT Level II must be able to organize, and report results of NDT tests.


In this role, theNDT Assistant Technician, (or Non-Destructive Testing Assistant), will primarily assist a certified NDT Technician by setting up and operating testing equipment, preparing test areas, performing basic inspections, interpreting initial test results under supervision, maintaining documentation, and ensuring safety protocols are followed during non-destructive testing procedures on materials and structures, all while learning the fundamentals of various NDT methods like Ultrasonic Thickness Testing (UTT), Radiographic Testing (RT), Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), and Penetrant Testing (PT).

Qualifications, Experience and Requirements:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent is required
  • Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age
  • Current IRRSP Card or State Card required for Radiographers
  • SNT Level II certification in RT required for Radiographers
  • UTT technicians must hold the ASNT ISQ UTT Certification
  • SNT certifications in MT/PT/UTT/PMI considered an asset
  • Weld-quality profile RT Techs with state cards and digital radiography experience preferred
  • Must provide proof of classroom training hours in RT
  • Must have 40 hours of Radiation Safety Training
  • Must be capable of following verbal and written instructions
  • Capable of training assistant radiographers
  • Current SPRAT and/or IRATA Rope Access certification will be considered an asset
  • Valid Driver's License and pre-access drug and alcohol testing required
  • Pre-employment background checks will be required


Work Conditions:

  • Field duties require indoor/outdoor work in diverse industrial environments with varying weather conditions
  • Interaction with a wide range of stakeholders
  • Working in a plant and/or shop areas around production machinery with extreme noise levels
  • May be required to work from various levels of heights and/or in close, confined spaces for long periods of time
  • Must be able to wear safety equipment as required by the safety department for personal protection (PPE)


Physical and Mental Requirements:

  • Ability to lift, move and carry objects weighing 75 lbs. repeatedly
  • Must be able to walk, stand, bend, reach, and climb
  • Must be able to work indoors/outdoors in all weather conditions
  • Must be able to work in confined spaces and at heights, including climbing tanks, ladders, scaffolding, towers, piping systems, catwalks, structural steel, and wind turbines
  • Must be able to stand for extended periods, lift heavy objects, and work in various environments including from heights and confined spaces
  • Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permit the employee to investigate
  • Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to perform routine in-field or office job duties
  • Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permit the employee to perform in-field or office job duties
  • Ability to maintain focus and multitask effectively
  • Exhibits sensible and responsible behavior


Physical and Mental Requirements:

  • Move, carry, and lift objects 50 lbs. ormore.
  • Must be able to work in confined spaces and at heights, including climbing tanks, ladders, scaffolding, towers, piping systems, catwalks, structural steel, and wind turbines.
  • Must be able to walk, stand, bend, reach, andclimb.
  • Must be able to work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.
  • Must be able to wear safety equipment as required by the safety department for personal protection
  • Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits employee to communicate effectively
  • Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodations, which permits employee to investigations
  • Sufficient manual dexterity with or without reasonable accommodation, which permit the employee to perform routine in-field or office job duties
  • Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodations to perform in-field or office job duties
  • Sufficient personal mobility to maneuver within a refinery or plant environment to include the ability to gain access to elevated platforms via ladders or stairwells
  • Ability to maintain focus and multitask effectively


Benefits:

  • Dental Insurance.
  • Vision Insurance.
  • Health Insurance.
  • Paid Time Off.
  • 401(K) W/Matching.
  • Flexible Spending Account.
  • Health Savings Account.


NOTE: To be considered, applicants must be able provide documentation of current or previous certifications, as well as all classroom and/or on-the-job training (OJT) hours required for certification.


*** Apave America Inc. is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, and other protected characteristics. ***


We make hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees.