Weld Apprentice - American Fan

Mission-Driven. Honor-Bound. Fairbanks Morse Defense. What’s your calling? For the men and women of Fairbanks Morse Defense it’s the rapid and effective support of the fleets that entrust us to design, develop, and deliver the best naval power technology on the planet. We’re one of the nation’s leading marine defense contractors because of the highly trained and dedicated teams that provide reliable power systems, parts, and aftermarket services to the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and Canadian Coast Guard. When you join Fairbanks Morse Defense, you join a legacy of commitment that spans 150 years. Fairbanks Morse Defense offers competitive benefits with a wide range of training and development opportunities. Our world-class teams are dedicated to helping every individual achieve their full potential. Discover what it’s like to be a part of the Fairbanks Morse Defense team here: https://www.fairbanksmorsedefense.com/careers

American Fan is a manufacturer of air movement equipment for Industrial, HVAC, Commercial, Marine, and specialty markets. Throughout our history, the quality and reliability of our products has been built upon a solid foundation of unrivaled application expertise and technical leadership. As a small manufacturer who is part of a well-respected international corporation, we are best known for our willingness to design and manufacture specialty air movement products for unique applications. Our sales distribution base consists of a diverse group of knowledgeable agents/representatives. Together with our in-house sales staff they deliver a very high level of customer service.

Job Title: Welder Apprentice                                                      Date: August 2026

Reports to: Production Supervisor

Summary

American Fan is growing and looking for a Welding Apprentice to join our team. This is a paid, 6000-hour program where you’ll work side-by-side with experienced welders, gain real hands-on skills, and build a long-term career in manufacturing.

You’ll receive structured training with clear milestones, daily mentorship, and a defined pathway to a journeyperson welder role upon completion. We offer a team-focused environment that prioritizes safety, quality, and continuous learning.

If you’re ready to make welding a career—not just a job—this is where you start!

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with GMAW (MIG) welding and basic fabrication tasks
• Set up workstations: gather materials, position parts, and prepare joints
• Operate basic hand tools and power tools (grinders, wire wheels, clamps, etc.)
• Measure and check parts using tape measures, squares, and gauges
• Follow safety procedures and use proper PPE at all times
• Read and follow basic drawings, weld symbols, and work instructions
• Clean welds, remove spatter, and perform simple finishing work
• Help with material handling, part movement, and shop organization
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area

Qualifications

• Recent trade school graduate in welding/metal fabrication OR hands-on welding/manufacturing experience (preferred)
• Basic welding and safety knowledge; familiarity with GMAW
• Reliable, punctual, and committed to learning the trade
• Open-minded, coachable, and eager to learn
• Able to work on your feet, lift materials, and handle shop tools
• Embody the core values of Integrity, Velocity and Teamwork

Fairbanks Morse Defense offers a competitive benefits package including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances, and 401k retirement plan with employer match.  In addition, we offer paid time off, paid holidays, paid parental leave, and tuition reimbursement. 

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled