Skilled Trade Internship

Description

NIX Industrial is a fifth-generation, family-owned company established in 1902, specializing in metal fabrication, machining, coatings, and industrial repair services. We are committed to developing the next generation of skilled trades professionals through hands-on training, mentorship, and real-world industry experience.

Our Skilled Trades Internship Program provides high school and college students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in a manufacturing environment. Depending on their interests and assigned department, interns may gain exposure to welding, fabrication, material processing, equipment operation, and other skilled trades.

Interns work alongside experienced trades professionals and receive direct supervision, hands-on instruction, and ongoing feedback from team leaders and mentors. Training emphasizes workplace safety, proper tool and equipment usage, quality standards, blueprint reading, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Our goal is to help interns develop technical skills, build confidence, understand professional workplace expectations, and explore long-term career opportunities in the skilled trades. Through meaningful, hands-on work, we aim to prepare students for successful careers in manufacturing while creating opportunities for continued employment and professional growth at NIX Industrial.

Responsibilities

Skilled Trades Interns at NIX Industrial will participate in hands-on learning experiences designed to develop technical skills, workplace knowledge, and an understanding of industrial manufacturing operations.

Intern responsibilities may include:

1. Work directly with our on-site Training Coordinator to establish learning goals, develop technical skills, and track progress throughout the internship.
2. Shadow experienced skilled trades professionals to learn industry techniques, processes, and best practices.
3. Assist with welding, fabrication, material processing, and other production-related activities based on individual interests, skill levels, and department assignments.
4. Learn to safely operate hand tools, power tools, and manufacturing equipment under appropriate supervision.
5. Gain experience reading blueprints, understanding measurements, and following work instructions.
6. Participate in hands-on training exercises and projects that build technical knowledge and problem-solving skills.
7. Learn and apply workplace safety procedures, quality standards, and proper equipment handling.
8. Collaborate with team members and supervisors to understand production workflows and the importance of teamwork.
9. Participate in regular check-ins with the Training Coordinator to receive feedback, discuss progress, and identify additional learning opportunities.
10. Explore different skilled trades career paths and develop professional skills such as communication, time management, accountability, and attention to detail.

Interns will receive ongoing guidance from our on-site Training Coordinator, experienced trades professionals, and department leadership. Responsibilities will be tailored to each intern's experience and learning objectives, with an emphasis on skill development rather than independent production expectations.

Qualifications

1. Currently enrolled in high school, a vocational training program, or college with an interest in pursuing a career in the skilled trades.
2. Demonstrates a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and willingness to learn.
3. Aligns with NIX Industrial's core values and contributes to our culture of teamwork, accountability, continuous improvement, and respect.
4. Takes pride in their work and demonstrates attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
5. Willing to accept constructive feedback, ask questions, and learn from experienced trades professionals.
6. Dependable, punctual, and committed to maintaining a safe and productive work environment.
7. Comfortable working in a hands-on, fast-paced manufacturing environment.
8. Able to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with team members.
9. Interested in developing technical skills and exploring long-term career opportunities in manufacturing.

No prior manufacturing or skilled trades experience is required. We are looking for individuals who are eager to learn, take initiative, and demonstrate the character and work ethic needed to succeed at NIX Industrial.

Learning Objectives

Through NIX Industrial's Skilled Trades Internship Program, interns will develop practical technical skills, gain real-world manufacturing experience, and build a foundation for future career success.

By the end of the internship, participants should be able to:

1. Develop Technical Skills: Gain foundational knowledge and hands-on experience in welding, fabrication, material processing, equipment operation, or other skilled trades based on their assigned department.
2. Understand Workplace Safety: Demonstrate an understanding of manufacturing safety procedures, proper PPE usage, and safe tool and equipment handling.
3. Build Industry Knowledge: Develop familiarity with manufacturing processes, production workflows, quality standards, blueprint reading, and measurement techniques.
4. Strengthen Problem-Solving Skills: Apply critical thinking and problem-solving techniques to real-world manufacturing tasks and challenges.
5. Develop Professional Skills: Improve communication, teamwork, time management, accountability, and the ability to receive and apply constructive feedback.
6. Demonstrate NIX Core Values: Understand and apply NIX Industrial's core values through a commitment to quality, teamwork, continuous improvement, and a strong work ethic.
7. Track Personal Growth: Work alongside our on-site Training Coordinator to establish learning goals, evaluate progress, identify strengths, and recognize areas for continued development.
8. Explore Career Opportunities: Gain exposure to different skilled trades career paths and develop a better understanding of long-term opportunities within the manufacturing industry.

Our goal is for each intern to leave the program with increased confidence, valuable hands-on experience, and a clearer understanding of their career interests and potential within the skilled trades.

Contact Information