Overview
Kewaunee Fabrications, part of the Oshkosh family since 1999, specializes in heavy fabrication and offers a comprehensive range of services including manufacturing, engineering, and welding. The Youth Apprentice Welder role provides an opportunity for high school students to gain hands-on experience in welding processes and fabrication under the guidance of experienced professionals.
Responsibilities
- Assist in producing repetitive weldments with parts oriented on the same plane or perpendicular to it.
- Learn to utilize fixtures designed to locate parts and control welding distortion.
- Assist in fitting and welding basic weldments per print.
- Learn to locate, tack, and weld parts to specified tolerances.
- Develop skills in GMAW (MIG), FCAW (flux-cored), and SMAW (stick welding) processes.
- Work toward meeting AWS D1.1 welding standards with training and support.
- Assist in producing less critical parts or sub-weldments; perform minor repair and cleanup as needed.
- Perform grinding and cleaning of weld areas, including removal of slag, spatter, and general deburring.
- Follow all safety procedures and maintain a clean and organized work area.
- Complete required paperwork including basic labor reporting and quality documentation with guidance.
- Participate in self-inspection and quality control processes with support from experienced team members.
- Assist with basic preventive maintenance activities on equipment as directed.
- Support team members and participate in training and development opportunities.
Requirements
- Currently enrolled in High School or an approved equivalent program.
- Basic mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn welding and fabrication processes.
- Ability to read basic blueprints or willingness to learn.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety.
- Ability to follow instructions and work effectively in a team environment.
- Frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 35 pounds.
- Use of lifting devices when appropriate.
- High school coursework in welding, manufacturing, or related field.
- Exposure to welding or metal fabrication through school or hands-on experience.
