08/28/2026
Metal Fabrication Trainee – Indio, CA
McGrath Metal Manufacturing is a precision metal fabrication company operating one of the most advanced fabrication shops in the Coachella Valley.
We produce high-quality metalwork to close tolerances for commercial, industrial and high-tech customers who expect accuracy, consistency and a high standard of finish. Our work requires more than simply making parts fit together, attention to detail and precision matter throughout the entire fabrication process.
We are looking for an entry-level or early-career person who wants to develop into a skilled, well-rounded metal fabricator.
This is not "just a welding job". Welding is only one part of fabrication.
We are interested in two types of candidates:
1. Someone with hands-on trade experience
You may have experience in construction, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, automotive or mechanical work, equipment maintenance, irrigation, carpentry, roofing, concrete, agriculture, or another hands-on trade and want to move into metal fabrication.
Previous metal work / welding experience is helpful.
2. A welding school graduate
You have completed or are completing a welding program and want to develop beyond simply running weld beads and learn the complete fabrication process.
Welding-school applicants should also be able to demonstrate some previous employment or practical hands-on work experience outside of welding school.
Attitude Comes First
We can teach fabrication. We cannot teach attitude.
A good attitude, willingness to learn and a pleasant demeanor are more important to us than arriving with an impressive list of welding skills.
We are not expecting a new hire to already know everything or to be highly skilled on their first day. We are looking primarily for someone who wants to learn, takes an interest in the work, listens, applies what they are taught, and wants to become good at the trade.
What You Will Learn
McGrath Metal is not a basic welding shop. You will have the opportunity to learn the complete fabrication process, including:
* Reading, understanding and questioning fabrication drawings and shop orders.
* CNC laser cutting - plate, sheet, pipe and tube
* Press brake operation and metal forming
* TIG welding, GTAW Steel, Stainless Steel & Aluminum)
* MIG welding (GMAW, FCAW-S FCAW-G Mostly mild steel)
* Spot welding
* Fitting and assembly
* Measuring and layout
* Cutting, punching, drilling and grinding
* Deburring and finishing
* Media blasting
* Powder coat preparation and application
* Stainless steel fabrication
* Aluminum fabrication
* Mild steel fabrication
Our objective is to develop someone who understands how a fabricated product is made from beginning to end from a drawing and raw material through cutting, forming, fitting, welding and finishing.
We will teach you fabrication, not just welding.
Hours
This is a full-time position
Monday through Friday
7:00 AM start
40-hour work week
Overtime when required
You do not need to already be an experienced fabricator. You do need to have a genuine interest in learning the trade and some real-world work experience.
If your only experience is attending welding school and you have never held a job or worked in a hands-on environment, this position is probably not the right fit.
For the right person, this is an opportunity to gain experience with equipment and fabrication processes that are rarely available together in an entry-level position and to develop into a genuinely capable metal fabricator.
Contact us at [email protected]
Send a brief description of your work history, welding education if applicable, and a few sentences explaining why you are interested in metal fabrication. We will respond with a quick questionnaire.
Please do not call or visit the shop regarding this position. Apply by email only.
