Spring 2024 - Northeast State/Mountain Empire/Virginia Highlands Metal Fab/Welding Trainee Program

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 and diverse company, Eastman employs approximately 14,500 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2022 revenues of approximately $10.6 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visit www.eastman.com. 

 

To be eligible, you MUST be a current student or recent graduate 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 the Combination Welder diploma at the Elizabethton - Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT)   

 

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.

• A trainee 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 or 2,000 hours

 

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)
  • Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) (TIG)
  • 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
• May use various computer systems (SAP, Outlook, Excel)
• 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, parts or 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
• Share the responsibility for managing team business within defined boundaries and guidelines
• Interact with other (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 or currently enrolled in Northeast State, Mountain Empire or Virginia Highlands Metal Fabrication program as required. We will also accept applicants who ha