Student Welder

The Student Welder position provides high school seniors and adult education trade students in welding programs with hands-on welding and fabrication experience in a manufacturing environment. Under close supervision, the Student Welder will assist in welding grating products according to job traveler instructions and quality standards. This position offers an excellent opportunity to develop practical skills while contributing to Ohio Gratings’ mission and values.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Material Preparation and Welding

• Assist in preparing metal components by cleaning, cutting, and positioning materials according to job traveler instructions and drawing specifications.
• Work alongside team members to lay out, assemble, and weld grating products within specified tolerances.
• Operate MIG welding equipment to fabricate products according to quality standards, ensuring consistency and precision.
• Perform grinding to ensure clean, precise edges and surfaces on fabricated components, contributing to high-quality output.
• Participate in scrap reduction initiatives by minimizing waste during welding and fabrication processes.

ERP System Usage

• Use the Epicor ERP system to log materials, time, and inventory accurately, assisting in job progress tracking and project management.

Quality, Inspection, and Continuous Training

• Perform visual inspections on welds to ensure they meet quality standards.
• Work closely with the Quality team and Welding Trainer to improve welding skills and focus on precision.
• Participate in training sessions to advance welding techniques and fabrication knowledge, continually building on your skillset.

Safety and Maintenance

• Follow all safety procedures, use appropriate PPE, and be mindful of potential hazards, such as UV light, heat, and fumes.
• Maintain a clean and organized workstation, promptly reporting any equipment issues to supervision.
• Safely operate material handling equipment and power tools (e.g., saws, grinders, presses, routers) as permitted and trained.

Teamwork and Communication

• Work effectively both independently and as part of a team, following instructions from supervisors and team members.
• Communicate clearly and professionally to support a positive work environment and collaborative atmosphere.

Housekeeping and Additional Tasks

• Keep workstations and tools clean and organized, practicing good housekeeping.
• Support inventory management and cleanliness efforts as directed.
• Cross-train in various functions as assigned by the supervisor to broaden your skills and knowledge base.

Education, Experience, and Skills Requirements

Education:

• Must be a current high school senior or enrolled in a welding trade school program. This position also applies to adult education students enrolled in welding trade school programs.

Skills:

• Basic blueprint reading and the ability to use both metric and standard tape measures.

Experience:

• Welding coursework required; prior experience in steel/aluminum manufacturing and familiarity with Stick, MIG, TIG, and Flux core welding techniques is beneficial but not required.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, stooping, bending, and lifting of materials up to 50 pounds (occasionally up to 75 pounds) using safe lifting techniques.

Work Environment

• The Student Welder role is based on the production floor, with exposure to noise, dust, heat, and cold. PPE is required, and all safety protocols must be followed to minimize machinery and tool hazards.

Additional Information

• Attendance and academic success are critical, and Student Welders must be in good standing in their educational programs.
• Ohio Gratings reserves the right to modify duties, responsibilities, and work requirements as needed to meet operational needs.

EEO STATEMENT: Our company is an equal opportunity employer and affords equal opportunity to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected under local, state, or federal laws.