Pipe Welder Apprentice Required In United States

Innovative Refrigeration Systems is looking for Pipe Fitter/Welder Trainees to join our traveling construction team. This is a paid training program designed for people who are serious about breaking into the welding trade and building a long-term career. You’ll spend 16 weeks learning from experienced welders and fabricators, working toward passing your 6G pipe test and mastering the skills you need to succeed on job sites across the country. If you’re fresh out of welding school or have some experience and want to take it to the next level, this is your shot.

Who We Are

We’re a locally-owned, custom refrigeration company based in Virginia, but our work takes us all over the United States. We design, build, and service refrigeration systems for customers who expect the best. We’re OSHA SHARP certified, which means safety isn’t just a poster on the wall it’s how we operate every single day. Our team is built on four core values: Safety, Quality, Experience, and Reliability. If you want to work with people who take pride in what they do and actually invest in their people, you’ll fit right in here.

What You’ll Be Doing

Learning the trade from the ground up: You’ll start with helper and laborer work for up to 8 weeks. This isn’t busy work it’s how we see your work ethic and motivation before moving you into welding training.
Going through an intense 10-day welding course: You’ll work toward passing a 6G pipe test on 2″ schedule 80 steel with stick welding (60/10 root, 70/18 cap), plus 3G plate tests and pipe fitting assemblies.
Working in our manufacturing facility: Between training sessions, you’ll do pipe welding, pipe fitting, blueprint reading, structural welding, rigging, painting, grinding, insulating, carpentry, and other tasks that make you a well-rounded tradesperson.
Setting up welds and fitting piping: You’ll position weld setups, fit piping, and perform welds under guidance from project supervisors.
Assisting wherever needed: On job sites, you might find yourself painting, insulating, doing carpentry, or handling general construction labor. It’s all part of becoming a valuable team member.
Operating equipment: You’ll use forklifts, scissor lifts, grinders, torch cutting tools, and measurement tools as part of the job.
Traveling extensively: Once you’re approved for the construction team, you’ll work a 10 days on, 4 days off schedule, with 10-12 hour days on site. Travel can take you up to 15 hours from home.

What We’re Looking For

You’re a graduate of a reputable welding school that focuses on 6G pipe welding, OR you have prior relevant welding experience. Certifications showing 6G ability are preferred.
You have at least 6 months of construction or labor-intensive work experience. Welding experience is a high preference.
You’re willing and able to learn pipe fitting quickly if you don’t already have that skill.
You’re comfortable with helper and laborer work as needed—welding isn’t the only thing you’ll do.
You have a valid driver’s license and can drive up to 15 hours away from home for job sites.
You can operate industrial equipment like forklifts and scissor lifts, or you’re willing to learn.
You must pass a pre-employment drug screening, criminal background check, and driving record check. If you’ve had a DUI in the past 5 years, you’re not eligible at this time.
This is a safety-sensitive position, so regular drug testing is part of the job.

What You’ll Get

Competitive pay at US$24 per hour with weekly paychecks.
A retirement plan where the company matches dollar for dollar up to 15% of your contributions. That’s a serious boost to your future.
Health insurance with the company paying 75% of premiums for you and your family.
Dental and vision insurance to keep you covered.
Competitive vacation and holiday pay so you get time to recharge.
Supplemental insurance options through Aflac.
Short-term and long-term disability coverage for peace of mind.
Accidental death/dismemberment coverage and life insurance after one year of employment.
Employee referral incentives if you bring good people onto the team.
Real opportunities for advancement including professional development, ongoing training, and apprenticeship programs.
Discounts on cell phone plans, rental vehicles, and other perks for eligible positions.

A Few Things to Understand Before You Apply

This isn’t a traditional welding school where you show up, put in your hours, and leave. This is a boot-camp-style training program that’s intense, fast-paced, and challenging. You won’t be welding the entire time there’s helper work, laborer tasks, and other duties that come with being part of a construction team. The goal is to turn you into a well-rounded tradesperson who can handle whatever comes up on a job site. If you’re willing to put in the work and learn from experienced pros, this program can set you up for a long, lucrative career in the trade.

Ready to Apply?

If this sounds like the kind of opportunity you’ve been looking for, we’d like to hear from you. Here’s how to get started:

Apply directly on our careers page through the Innovative Refrigeration Systems website.
Prepare your documents: Resume highlighting any welding or construction experience, welding school certificates if you have them, and any relevant certifications.
Be ready for the screening process: This includes drug testing, background check, and driving record review.

We’re looking for people who want to be the best in the business. If that’s you, don’t wait—apply now and let’s see where this can go.