Together We Build – Partnership, Innovation, Excellence, and Safety
At Kelso Industries, 4,000+ employees across 40+ companies work together to deliver exceptional HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration, and electrical solutions nationwide. Join us to grow your career, make an impact, and be part of a team where innovation, excellence, and safety come first.
Recruiter Notice: We respectfully ask external recruiters and staffing agencies not to submit candidates. We only accept direct applications.
Job Title: Training Manager – Pipe Fitter & Welder Apprenticeship Program
Location: Duncan, SC
Job Type: Full-time
Job Summary: We are seeking a skilled, hands-on, and mission-driven Training Manager to build and lead a formal Pipe Fitter and Welder Apprenticeship Program from the ground up. This role is critical to the long-term growth and workforce sustainability of our specialty fabrication operations serving the data center and life sciences construction markets. The Training Manager will design and deliver a structured curriculum, secure available state workforce development funding, teach hands-on in the shop alongside apprentices, and drive continuous skill development across our existing craft workforce.
Success in this role is defined by measurable outcomes: the graduation of a first cohort of 5 qualified pipe fitters and 5 qualified welders within 12 months of formal program launch, and a demonstrable improvement in the skill proficiency of our existing craft workforce. This is an on-the-floor leadership role requiring equal parts curriculum rigor, grant-writing capability, and hands-on teaching.
Key Responsibilities:
Apprenticeship Program Development & Curriculum Design
- Design and develop a formal apprenticeship curriculum for pipe fitters and welders, encompassing both classroom instruction and hands-on shop training aligned with industry standards (ASME B31.1, B31.3, B31.9, AWS D1.1, AWS D18.1).
- Structure the program into defined learning modules covering pipe layout and measurement, fitting techniques, weld process theory (SMAW, GTAW, FCAW), blueprint reading, material identification, and quality/safety standards.
- Establish a formal competency assessment framework with milestone evaluations, weld qualification testing, and apprentice progression criteria that align with applicable certifications (AWS, NCCER, or equivalent).
Hands-On Instruction & Shop Teaching
- Serve as a primary hands-on instructor in the fabrication shop, demonstrating and teaching pipe fitting layout, tack-up, and assembly techniques alongside apprentices.
- Lead welding instruction for SMAW, GTAW, and applicable flux-core processes; personally demonstrate techniques, coach posture and technique, and evaluate weld samples.
- Conduct or coordinate classroom sessions covering trade theory, code requirements, blueprint reading, safety regulations (OSHA 10/30), and quality documentation practices.
Workforce Development Funding & Grant Management
- Research, identify, and pursue state and federal workforce development funding opportunities, including apprenticeship grants, registered apprenticeship program (RAP) incentives, and economic development workforce initiatives applicable to South Carolina.
- Prepare and submit grant applications, maintain required documentation, and manage compliance reporting for any secured funding programs.
- Build and maintain relationships with SC Technical College System, SC Department of Employment and Workforce, and relevant apprenticeship intermediaries to maximize available program support.
Existing Workforce Skills Development
- Assess current skill levels of existing pipe fitters and welders through structured evaluations and informal observation on the shop floor.
- Develop and deliver targeted skills upgrade training for journeymen and experienced craft workers, including weld process certification prep, code updates, and advanced fitting techniques.
- Work with production leadership to schedule skills training around project workflow to minimize disruption and maximize shop floor participation.
Program Administration & Compliance
- Maintain all training records, apprentice progression documentation, weld qualification logs, and attendance records required by any applicable registered apprenticeship program or funding agency.
- Ensure all training activities meet OSHA, company safety policy, and applicable fabrication quality system requirements (including ITP alignment for regulated-market projects).
- Coordinate with HR and operations leadership on apprentice onboarding, timekeeping, wage progression schedules, and program documentation.
Apprentice Recruitment & Cohort Management
- Partner with FabLogix craft recruiter to identify and screen apprenticeship candidates from trade schools, community colleges, workforce development pipelines, and direct applicant pools.
- Conduct structured candidate orientations, set program expectations, and establish a cohort-based onboarding schedule targeting 5 pipe fitter and 5 welder apprentices within the first 12 months of program launch.
- Provide ongoing mentorship and pastoral support to apprentices, tracking attendance, attitude, progress, and retention with early intervention for at-risk participants.
Reporting & Continuous Improvement
- Track and report key program metrics to company leadership, including apprentice progress, completion rates, skills assessment scores, funding utilization, and ROI on training investment.
- Continuously evaluate and improve the curriculum based on apprentice outcomes, production feedback, and changes to applicable codes, standards, or client quality requirements.
- Champion a culture of craftsmanship, safety, and continuous learning across the fabrication workforce.
Qualifications & Skills:
Technical Skills
- Journeyman-level or higher qualification as a pipe fitter, pipefitter/welder, or combination tradesperson with demonstrated shop and field experience.
- 5+ years of hands-on experience in industrial pipe fabrication, with direct experience fitting and welding to ASME B31.1, B31.3, or equivalent codes.
- Current or ability to obtain active weld certifications (SMAW, GTAW, FCAW); AWS CWI credential preferred or willingness to obtain.
- Prior experience developing or delivering trade training, apprenticeship instruction, or journeyman-level skills coaching in a fabrication or construction environment.
- Working knowledge of state and federal workforce development programs, registered apprenticeship frameworks (DOL-RAP), and grant application processes is strongly preferred.
- Ability to develop structured curriculum content including written lesson plans, hands-on skill exercises, written assessments, and competency checklists.
- Proficiency reading isometric drawings, weld maps, bill of materials, and pipe fabrication spool drawings.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to teach effectively to diverse learning styles and experience levels.
Professional Attributes
- Passionate about developing craft talent and building the next generation of skilled tradespeople
- Leads from the shop floor — equally comfortable in a welding hood as in a classroom
- Organized, accountable, and capable of managing curriculum, funding compliance, and apprentice records simultaneously
- Patient and effective teacher with high standards for quality and safety
- Collaborative with production leadership, HR, and recruiting to make the program operationally successful
Benefits:
- Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Paid time off and company holidays.
Why Join Kelso Industries?
Join us and be part of a team dedicated to creating efficient, sustainable, and high-performance environments that make a lasting impact across the industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors.
Here you will experience:
Growth Opportunities: Develop new skills, take on exciting challenges, and advance your career in meaningful ways.
Company Culture: You'll thrive in an environment that supports your growth, values your contributions, and makes work fulfilling and enjoyable.
Impact: Your work directly contributes to meaningful outcomes, allowing you to see the difference you make and feel a sense of purpose every day.
Competitive Compensation & Benefits: You'll be rewarded fairly for your contributions while enjoying perks that enhance your financial security, health, and overall well-being.
Kelso Industries celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate in any aspect of employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local employment discrimination laws where Kelso does business
