General Laborer

Progressive Recovery, Inc.; Illinois; On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Progressive Recovery, Inc. is seeking a General Laborer to support daily operations in an ASME pressure vessel fabrication shop. This entry-level role focuses on learning basic fabrication processes while assisting skilled trades and maintaining a clean, safe work environment.

No prior industry experience is required; on-the-job training is provided. You will move materials, help welders and machinists, follow safety rules, and have the opportunity to grow toward skilled positions such as welder

Qualifications

• No prior fabrication or pressure vessel experience required.
• High school diploma or GED preferred, but not required.
• Willingness to learn, take direction, and work as part of a team.
• Reliable attendance and strong work ethic.
• Ability to follow instructions and ask questions when unsure.

Responsibilities

• Assist welders, fitters, machinists, and technicians with shop tasks.
• Move materials, parts, and equipment using hand tools or material handling equipment.
• Clean and prepare work areas, including grinding, deburring, and basic surface prep.
• Help stage jobs by gathering tools, parts, and consumables.
• Load/unload trucks and organize inventory or shop materials.
• Support hydrotesting, passivation, and other shop processes as directed.
• Perform basic measurements and assist with marking or layout work.
• Maintain housekeeping standards to keep the shop safe and organized.

Skills

Dependable and punctual

Eager to learn

Basic mechanical aptitude

Team-oriented

Education

High school diploma or GED preferred

Job description

Description

Position Summary:

The General Laborer supports daily operations in an ASME pressure vessel fabrication shop by assisting skilled trades, maintaining a clean and safe work environment, and learning basic fabrication processes. This is an entry-level role designed for individuals who are dependable, safety-minded, and motivated to learn a skilled trade. No prior industry experience is required—training will be provided.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist welders, fitters, machinists, and technicians with shop tasks
• Move materials, parts, and equipment using hand tools or material handling equipment
• Clean and prepare work areas, including grinding, deburring, and basic surface prep
• Help stage jobs by gathering tools, parts, and consumables
• Load/unload trucks and organize inventory or shop materials
• Support hydrotesting, passivation, and other shop processes as directed
• Perform basic measurements and assist with marking or layout work
• Maintain housekeeping standards to keep the shop safe and organized

Training & Development:

• Learn basic fabrication skills including grinding, measuring, and safe tool use
• Gain exposure to welding, fitting, and pressure vessel assembly processes
• Receive on-the-job training from experienced team members
• Opportunity to grow into skilled positions (welder, fitter, operator, etc.)

Safety & Expectations:

• Follow all shop safety rules, including proper use of PPE
• Work safely around heavy equipment, tools, and industrial processes
• Attend safety meetings and participate in training
• Show up on time, ready to work, and willing to take direction
• Maintain a positive attitude and strong work ethic

Requirements

Qualifications:

• No prior fabrication or pressure vessel experience required
• High school diploma or GED preferred, but not required
• Willingness to learn, take direction, and work as part of a team
• Reliable attendance and strong work ethic
• Ability to follow instructions and ask questions when unsure

Skills & Attributes:

• Dependable and punctual
• Eager to learn and grow in a hands-on environment
• Basic mechanical aptitude (helpful but not required)
• Team-oriented with good communication skills

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Standing, walking, bending, and lifting throughout the shift
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing/shop environment
• Ability to work in varying temperatures and conditions

Work Environment:

• Industrial fabrication shop with exposure to noise, dust, and heavy equipment
• Use of PPE such as safety glasses, gloves, steel-toe boots, and hearing protection required
• Overtime may be available based on workload