Entry Level Welding Training Jobs Near Me

Westerman, Inc., an employee-owned company, is a multiple site manufacturer of production and storage equipment within the oil, gas, and nuclear industries. Our equipment helps optimize well pad design, improve separation efficiency and lower overall equipment spend through high-performance surface separation and processing technology. Our equipment is setting new standards for performance and economics nationwide.

SUMMARY

The Welding Instructor is responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously improving the company's in-house welding training program. This position combines classroom instruction with hands-on fabrication shop training to prepare entry-level and developing employees to successfully pass a 3G and/or 6G welding qualification test and basic fabrication skills within approximately 6-8 weeks.

In addition to technical instruction, the Welding Instructor acts as a program manager responsible for maintaining a safe, productive, and quality-focused training environment while ensuring the program supports current business needs. This role works closely with Operations, Production, Quality, Engineering, Safety, and Human Resources to develop skilled craftsmen capable of transitioning successfully into production and achieving or exceeding Westerman’s objectives in safety, customer service, quality, and productivity.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Regular and punctual attendance at work is an essential job function of each position and is necessary to your individual effectiveness and that of your work group.  Regular and punctual attendance is required of all employees. 

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve the company's in-house welding training program.
• Design structured classroom and hands-on training curricula for new employees.
• Create lesson plans, practical exercises, written tests, and performance evaluations.
• Develop training materials, presentations, visual aids, welding procedures, and standardized work instructions.
• Modify training content and schedules based on production demands, customer requirements, and business priorities.
• Establish measurable performance milestones throughout the training process.
• Maintain all trainee records, certifications, qualification results, and training documentation. 
• Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend improvements to increase graduation and qualification success rates.
• Assists with facility events as needed.
• Performs other related duties as required and assigned.

Provide classroom and practical instruction in:

• Welding safety
• Shop safety practices
• PPE requirements
• Welding fundamentals
• MIG (GMAW) welding
• Plasma cutting
• Oxy-fuel cutting
• Grinding and finishing
• Codes and/or regulations related to the trade
• Proper use and maintenance of hand tools and power tools
• Overhead crane operation
• Material handling
• Reading and interpreting blueprints
• Basic mathematics
• Measuring and layout using tape measures and precision measuring tools
• Weld symbols and fabrication drawings
• Basic fabrication techniques
• Quality standards and workmanship expectations

Coach employees through daily practice until they are capable of successfully passing company welding qualification tests.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty or responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 7+ years of welding and fabrication experience in a manufacturing or fabrication environment required.
• Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification required.
• 1-3 years of experience as a welding instructor, trainer, or technical educator required.
• Must pass required facility-specific weld tests prior to certifying other welders.
• Experience developing formal training programs required.
• Experience in creating instructional materials and presentations required.
• Previous experience with welding qualification testing required.
• Previous supervisory experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to meet or exceed expectations in a fast-paced environment required.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple functions and maintain strong organizational skills required.
• Strong initiative, self-awareness and demonstrated ability to be self-sufficient required.
• Extreme attention to detail and analytical skills required.
• Professional verbal and written communication skills and active listening skills required.
• The ability to work individually and as part of a team is required.  Demonstrated ability to develop professional relationships at all levels required.
• Strong Word, Excel, and PowerPoint skills required.
• Ability to make formal presentations preferred.
• Driving is an essential function of the job; clean driving record required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, crawl, stoop, and climb throughout the workday.
• Must be able to see, speak, and hear.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time, up to entire length of shift (10 – 12 hours).
• Must be able to handle physical repetitive work.
• Must be able to read instructions and all measuring devices.
• Must use fingers and hands to manipulate tools and small parts.
• Lift up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Work in indoor fabrication shop environments in extreme temperatures, both hot and cold.
• Ability to demonstrate welding and fabrication techniques.
• Wear required PPE including welding helmet, respirator (when required), gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, and steel-toe boots.
• Ability to work around heat, sparks, smoke, and industrial equipment.
• Must be able to walk over both even and uneven surfaces.
• Must be physically able to access all areas of the plant and grounds.
• Some aspects of this position may require working in tight quarters (inside vessels).
• Must be physically able to crawl in and out of vessels.
• Must be able to drive and travel by car as needed
• Some aspects of this position may require close vision, depth perception, the ability to see small detail, and the ability to adjust focus.