JOB TRAINING

WELDING TRAINING

Kick-Start your welding career and get paid to learn

Our Workforce Training Program is a 32 hour, week-long job-readiness program. Each session is Monday through Friday, 10 AM – 4:30 PM. During the training, you’ll learn industry safety standards and use metalworking tools such as the MIG Welder, oxy-acetylene torch, plasma cutter, chop saw, band saw, and angle grinder. These skills will be applied to a functional public art project that will be installed in the local community. Completion of this week-long program will make you eligible to apply for a 3-month long, part-time apprenticeship in our Public Projects Department.

This is an opportunity to think critically, take leadership, experiment, and problem-solve while gaining valuable work-related soft skills such as communication, listening, teamwork, and reliability. 

NEXT TRAINING SESSION

5/6/2024 – 5/10/2024

APPLICATION DEADLINE

4/4/2024

PROGRAM BENEFITS

Participants that successfully complete the program will receive the following:

  • A stipend of $250 will be paid  upon successful completion of the program
  • An additional 9 hours of studio access for continued practice 
  • Eligible  for further paid opportunities at The Steel Yard
  • Eligible to apply for a follow-up paid apprenticeship program

WHEN IS THE WORKFORCE TRAINING PROGRAM?

The Steel Yard hosts a single-week training program that provides 32 hours of training in an industrial metal shop. The training program runs Monday through Friday, 10 AM – 4:30 PM, applicants must be available to attend the entire week. Qualified applicants are required to participate in a 30-minute telephone interview, and will then be notified of acceptance. To view the telephone interview questions, please click here.

WHAT WILL I GET WHEN I COMPLETE THE PROGRAM

Participants that successfully complete the training receive a stipend of $250, a Steel Yard metalworking certificate of completion, eligible to apply for the paid apprenticeship program at The Steel Yard, and complimentary access to three Community Studio Access sessions. Successful graduates will be eligible for further paid opportunities at The Steel Yard.

WHAT IS THE FOLLOW-UP PAID APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

This program is built around The Steel Yard’s Public Projects program of building community-based public art while borrowing from the tradition of guild apprenticeship. This opportunity will provide 20 hours of work each week in the Public Projects department, paid at a wage of $15/hr for 200-400 hours following the initial training.

WHO QUALIFIES

To be eligible for this program, applicants must be:

  • A Rhode Island resident, aged 18 and above
  • Able to attend the full program – all day, every day
  • Physically able to participate in an industrial shop (for example, able to stand for long periods, lift at least 50 lbs, can tolerate loud noises and flashing lights)
  • Able to read and understand English

This program is designed to create equity in Central Providence. Therefore, preference will be given to applicants:

  • Living in Central Providence (Valley, Federal Hill, Olneyville, Hartford, Silver Lake, Mt. Pleasant)
  • Who have faced significant barriers due to injustice and oppression
  • Struggling to financially make ends meet
  • Who are not currently enrolled in school or part of an alternative academic program

TO APPLY

Applications can be found HERE.

** Please note that all eligible applicants will be contacted for a telephone interview prior to the start of the next available program.

**A confirmation will be sent upon receipt of the application. Additionally, you will receive a list of questions that will be asked during the phone interview to assist you in your preparation.

At the Steel Yard, we believe everyone deserves access to the education, skills, and equipment needed to directly improve their conditions and community regardless of their race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sex, age or previous experience. The Steel Yard acknowledges the harm that has been done to BIPOC communities as a result of systemic racism and encourages our supporters and affiliates to join us in challenging ourselves to consistently do better. Read our full D.E.I & Anti-Racism Statement here.

QUESTIONS: Feel free to contact The Steel Yard at workforce@thesteelyard.org or by phone at 401-369-7776