Youth Apprentice - Welder

About Kewaunee, an Oshkosh company

Kewaunee Fabrications is a top-quality, heavy fabrication specialist. Since 1941, we've offered turnkey advantages by providing all aspects of heavy fabrications-manufacturing, engineering, cutting, forming, welding, machining, blasting, painting and assembly-under one roof. It's what we do. From start to finish, we offer the single-source advantages of greater control and efficiency, improved accuracy and complete accountability. In 1999, Kewaunee Fabrications joined the Oshkosh family and helps transform tomorrow with their innovative heavy fabrication capabilities.

Position Summary

The Youth Apprentice Welder supports fabrication and welding operations while developing foundational skills in welding processes, blueprint reading, and manufacturing practices. This role works under the guidance of experienced welders to gain hands-on experience and progress toward independent performance.

Essential Functions

• 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.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervision.

• 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.

• Hands-on training in multiple welding processes (GMAW, FCAW, SMAW)
• Introduction to AWS D1.1 welding standards
• Blueprint reading and fabrication fundamentals
• Workplace safety and manufacturing best practices
• Mentorship from experienced welders and team members

• Complete all required paperwork including labor reporting and quality documentation.
• Work safely and maintain high standards of housekeeping.
• Participate in quality control processes at the workstation.
• Perform required preventive maintenance on equipment.
• Support team development and assist others as needed.
• Perform work at various levels when assigned.
• Follow direction from supervision and contribute to team success.