Training Manager

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 state workforce development funding, teach hands‑on in the shop alongside apprentices, and drive continuous skill development across our existing craft workforce.

Success is defined by measurable outcomes: graduation of a first cohort of 5 qualified pipe fitters and 5 qualified welders within 12 months of launch, and demonstrable improvement in the skill proficiency of our existing craft workforce. This on‑the‑floor leadership role requires curriculum rigor, grant‑writing capability, and hands‑on teaching.

• Design and develop a formal apprenticeship curriculum for pipe fitters and welders, encompassing 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).

• 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.

• Research, identify, and pursue state and federal workforce development funding opportunities, including apprenticeship grants, registered apprenticeship program 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Partner with Fab Logix craft recruiter to identify and screen apprenticeship candidates from trade schools, community colleges,…