Welding Co-Op

• Johnstown, PA

Shift Hours

TBD

Job Description

JWF Industries is seeking motivated Welding Co-Op Students to join our growing manufacturing team. Cooperative education is a structured educational program that combines classroom instruction with paid, hands-on work experience in a professional manufacturing environment. This position is designed to provide welding students with real-world experience while developing the technical skills required for a successful career in the welding and fabrication industry. As a Welding Co-op, students will work alongside experienced welders, fabricators, and supervisors while gaining exposure to a variety of welding processes, fabrication techniques, production equipment, and manufacturing operations. Participants will progressively develop their welding skills through practical application of concepts learned in the classroom. This position provides valuable experience in MIG welding (GMAW), TIG welding (GTAW), FCAW, blueprint reading, weld symbols, fabrication, grinding, fitting, material preparation, and welding quality standards.

Essential Duties

• Assist experienced welders in the fabrication and assembly of steel and aluminum components.
• Perform MIG, TIG, and/or FCAW welding operations under supervision and training guidelines.
• Prepare materials for welding by cleaning, grinding, fitting, and positioning components.
• Read and interpret basic blueprints, weld symbols, drawings, and work instructions.
• Assist in fitting parts and assemblies according to print requirements.
• Learn proper setup and operation of welding equipment and related tools.
• Inspect completed welds and assemblies for quality and conformance to specifications.
• Operate hand tools, grinders, measuring tools, and other fabrication equipment safely.
• Assist with material handling, staging, and movement of parts throughout production.
• Follow welding procedures, quality standards, and manufacturing requirements.
• Learn proper weld joint preparation and welding techniques for various material types and thicknesses.
• Participate in continuous improvement and workplace organization activities.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Follow all company safety policies and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Assist with additional fabrication and manufacturing duties as assigned.

Learning Opportunities

Students will gain experience in:

• MIG Welding (GMAW)
• TIG Welding (GTAW)
• Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW)
• Blueprint Reading
• Weld Symbol Interpretation
• Fabrication and Assembly Techniques
• Welding Inspection and Quality Requirements
• Manufacturing Safety Procedures
• Material Handling
• Production Scheduling and Workflow
• Industrial Manufacturing Processes
• Workplace Communication and Team Collaboration

Education Level

• Positions are intended for Vocational-Technical (Vo-Tech) Welding students in their junior or senior year.
• Students must be enrolled in an approved cooperative education program.

Experience

• Candidates should discuss eligibility with their instructor and cooperative education coordinator prior to applying.
• Coursework in welding, fabrication, blueprint reading, and manufacturing processes preferred.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of the job, the employee is required to have the ability to concentrate and perform responsibilities by maintaining a constant state of focus and mental alertness. While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to stand, use hands (including gripping and grasping), and reach with arms. The employee is frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and talk or hear. The employee will frequently walk throughout the manufacturing facility. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision requirements include color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee is regularly exposed to welding fumes, airborne particles, and manufacturing-related conditions. There is frequent exposure to moving mechanical parts with occasional exposure to wet and/or humid conditions and extreme temperatures. The employee may be exposed to electrical hazards, vibration, sparks, and welding-related equipment. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

About JWF Industries

JWF Industries is a premier manufacturing and fabrication company providing innovative solutions for defense, infrastructure, transportation, energy, and commercial markets. Through advanced manufacturing capabilities and employee-focused workforce development programs, JWF provides students with opportunities to gain meaningful hands-on experience while building valuable trade skills for future careers.

Apply today to begin your welding career as a Welding Co-op Student and gain real-world experience working alongside industry professionals at JWF Industries.

Applications must be received by December 1, 2026 for Semester 2 consideration.

EOE