Metal Fabricator Trainee - January 2027

Eastman; Kingsport (TN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Eastman in Kingsport, TN is seeking a Metal Fabricator/Welder Trainee for a 12-month program designed to build hands-on fabrication skills in an industrial setting. You will learn and perform welding techniques under supervision, gaining familiarity with shop equipment and safety practices.

The program targets recent graduates or current students in accredited metal fabrication programs who will upload transcripts and demonstrate WorkKeys readiness.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Recent graduate or currently enrolled in Northeast State, Mountain Empire or Virginia Highlands Metal Fabrication programs or TCAT combination welding program.
• Students completing their 2nd semester are eligible to apply.
• Must upload transcripts as proof of enrollment or degree.

Responsibilities

• Develop knowledge and skills in oxy-fuel welding, FCAW, GMAW (MIG) and SMAW.
• Operate metal shop equipment with training and supervision.
• Assist skilled craft workers in fabrication, installation, troubleshooting and repair.
• Maintain housekeeping during and after maintenance tasks.
• Interact with team members and leadership to share processes.

Skills

Welding techniques

Oxy-fuel welding

GMAW (MIG) welding

FCAW welding

SMAW welding

Shop equipment operation

Hand tool handling

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Brakes

Shears

Rolls

Positioners

Band saws

Cranes

Job description

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Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company’s innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive company, Eastman employs approximately 13,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2025 revenue of approximately $8.8 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visitwww.eastman.com .

To be eligible, you MUST be a current student or recent graduate (within the last 2 years) of the following:

• Complete at least two semesters toward an A.A.S. with Northeast State, Mountain Empire, or Virginia Highlands Community College in Industrial Technology -Welding / Metal Fabrication OR
• Complete theCombination Welder diploma - Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT)

Candidates must upload transcripts as proof of enrollment or degree completion to be considered for this position.

Posting Dates:

This position will be posted until at least October 18th, 2026.

This program provides a one-year opportunity for selected students to develop their knowledge and skills as a metal fabricator/welder in an industrial setting.

• Atrainee will receive college credit towards their Associate of Applied Science degree at NSCC, MECC or VHCC if they are a current student in the program.
• Completion of this program is one of the requirements for consideration for possible future employment as an Eastman metal fabricator apprentice.
• Upon completion of the Metal Fabricator/Welder trainee assignment the student will have been exposed to a variety of tools used to fabricate and repair various parts used in the manufacturing process at the Kingsport site.
• The student will be closely supervised and mentored on a daily basis with the goal of providing a hands-on learning environment.
• The trainee program duration is 12 months.

Job Description/Responsibilities:

• Will develop knowledge and skills in the following techniques:
• Oxy-fuel welding and brazing
• Flux-Core Arc Welding (FCAW)
• Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) (MIG)
• Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
• May operate various types of metal shop equipment with proper training and supervision such as brakes, shears, rolls, positioners, band saws, cranes, etc.
• May operate various hand tools with proper training such as sanders, grinders, welding equipment, metal cutting equipment, etc.
• May serve as a fitter/helper for welders.
• May perform a variety of routine assignments that do not require the training/experience of a skilled craft worker.
• May cut or burn metals with close direction and supervision.
• Maintain housekeeping and cleanup during and after completion of maintenance work.
• May perform other duties as required to ensure efficient completion of maintenance assignments, such as obtaining materials, partsor tools, operation of a lift truck or company vehicle, etc.
• May assist skilled craft workers in fabrication, installation, troubleshooting and repair of various equipment such as tanks, vessels, heat exchangers, etc. where specialized training and experience is not required.
• Sharethe responsibility for managing team business within defined boundaries and guidelines.
• Interactwith others (team members, supervision, customers, etc.) in an empowering manner to share team leadership and establish and carry out appropriate team processes.
• Trainees are evaluated on: Safety, teamwork, job knowledge, learning speed, leadership qualities, output, productivity and dependability.

Education/Experience:

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Must be a recent graduate(within the last 2 years)or currentlyenrolledin Northeast State, Mountain Empireor Virginia HighlandsMetal Fabrication program as required. We will also accept applicants who have previously completed the combination welding program at TCAT.
• Students completing their 2nd semester are eligible to apply.
• If currently enrolled as a student, the trainee must maintain good standing with their educational institution during the trainee program and/or until graduation.
• Candidates must be able to demonstrate basic knowledge and skills by completing the ACT Workkeys assessment testing and attain required scores within 12 months of hire date.
  • Must achieve required WorkKeys scores as listed below.
    • Graphic Literacy: 4
    • Workplace Documents: 4
    • Applied Mathematics: 4
• To be considered for a future full-time position, following completion of Trainee assignment, the WorkKeys scores listed above must be achieved.
• Candidates must upload transcripts as proof of enrollment or degree (in the "Additional Documents" section of the application).

Other Qualifications/Requirements:

• HS Diploma or GED is required.
• Must have valid driver's license.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be able to perform the essential elements of the positions with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Must follow all safety procedures.
• Must wear company-provided personal protective equipment: safety shoes, glasses with side shields & hard hats at all times in designated areas.
• Have a strong work ethic, demonstrating dependability, initiative & professional attitude.
• Must have clear, concise verbal & written communication skills.

Eastman is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a highly engaged workforce, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day.

Nearest Major Market: Asheville
Nearest Secondary Market: Knoxville