An apprenticeship—combining on-the-job experience with training—is one of the best ways to build a solid career in welding. Employer sponsors invest heavily in your training, so they look for dedicated people worth that investment. Programs are competitive.
Reading fractions and decimals for precise measurements, Basic Algebra, Basic Geometry (calculating angles, areas, volumes)
Reliability for showing up on time (dependability is highly valued), Basic physical fitness (most welding jobs require you to be on your feet, lifting, sometimes working in tight spaces), Ability to follow instructions consistently and precisely (mistakes are costly)
There are many avenues to apprenticeships, depending on what industry you’re interested in.
Construction: Unions Lead the Way
For structural steel, pipefitting, and boilermaking, unions are the dominant pathway to apprenticeship opportunities. Check out the resources below on how to pursue a union apprenticeship.
Manufacturing, Fabrication & Other Industries
Employers in these industries run their own apprenticeships, but the easiest way to find them is through your state by searching “find manufacturing apprenticeships near me,” “apprenticeships in {your state}.” You can also contact large manufacturing employers near you directly, as earn-as-you-learn opportunities are not always posted.
What to do:
Apply directly. If previous experience is important, then try starting out as a helper or entry-level fabricator and proving yourself from there.
Unions are the dominant path to apprenticeships in Construction.
Most union apprenticeships run 3–4 years and are formal and competitive. When recruiting, they look for foundational math skills and a driver’s license. Recruiting cycles vary–while some have open applications year-round, others might only open applications once or twice a year.
What to do:
Find your local chapter, ask when the next application window opens. Brush up on your math skills and show up in person if you can.
Trade unions that have apprenticeships that teach welding skills include:
Boilermakers Union
Specializes in welding for boilers, pressure vessels, and heavy steel structures.
Plumbers & Pipefitters (UA)
Welding is integral for piping systems in industrial and commercial settings.
Sheet Metal Workers (SMART)
Includes welding for HVAC systems, fabrication, and installation.
Operating Engineers
Often require welding for heavy equipment maintenance and structural work.
Regardless of the route, sponsors are looking for the same things: reliability, work ethic, and genuine commitment to learning the trade. Show up, stay consistent, and make clear you’re in it for the long haul.
If You Have Some Welding Experience, You’re Ahead. Even informal experience shows initiative.
If You’ve Never Picked Up a Torch Build Some Foundational Exposure First. A few months of training meaningfully improves your odds.
© American Welding Society Foundation 2026.
© Lincoln Electric 2026.
Created by Sixth Element.
Boilermaker
Boilermakers fabricate, install, maintain, and repair boilers, tanks, vats, pressure vessels, and other structures. These structures generate power, provide heat, and function as storage containers for oil, industrial chemicals or other liquids. Boilermakers primarily use welding and cutting equipment, but can also utilize tools to fuse, separate, and shape metal plates, sections, and components. Boilermakers contribute to the building, repair or maintenance of structures, including blast furnaces, bridges, rocket boosters, elevators, dams, and locomotives.
Demand by State
Ironworker
Ironworkers, sometimes referred to as The Cowboys of the Sky, erect and dismantle the metal framework of a wide range of structures, from bridges and antennas to skyscrapers and stadiums. Ironworkers also often erect the cranes and derricks that are used in the construction of these structures, and install and repair the catwalks, elevators, ladders, fire escapes, railings, and fences for commercial and industrial structures. The type of work that an Ironworker performs can usually be categorized into one of the following designations: reinforcing, structural, and ornamental.
Demand by State
Pipefitter
Pipefitters are sometimes more specifically known as steamfitters or gasfitters. They fabricate, install, maintain, assemble, and repair piping systems. These systems include cooling, hydraulic, pneumatic, and high-pressure assemblies that transport water, steam, chemicals, or fuel for commercial, industrial, or marine use. In addition to welding, pipefitters often utilize a wide range of other processes throughout the course of their work, including cutting, threading, brazing, soldering, bending, and grooving.
Demand by State
Pipeliner
Pipeliners, also known as Pipeline Welders, join and repair tubular products and metallic pipe components and assemblies as part of the construction of buildings, vessels, structures, and stand-alone pipelines. They use a variety of welding processes and equipment, in a wide range of industrial, commercial, and construction environments. Because pipes are routinely set up in fixed positions and situated in ways that make welding difficult, pipeline welders must be well-trained and versatile. As such, they are among the most highly skilled and sought after welders.
Demand by State
Robotic Welding Technician
Robotic Welding Technicians are responsible for the set-up, maintenance, and operation of robotic welding equipment. Robotic welding technicians are critical to the fabrication of metallic parts or assemblies through welding by the means of a robotic machine. Some operators are responsible for designing and programming the robot, maintaining and troubleshooting welding robots, and implementing robotic welding for manufacturing and production.
Demand by State
Shipfitter
Shipfitters fabricate and layout metal for building and repairing ships. They work for private companies as well naval shipyards. A shipfitter can be tasked with building, maintaining, and repairing small boats such as towboats and tugboats, as well as container ships, icebreakers, and ocean liners. Military shipfitters work on aircraft carriers, tankers, and submarines.
Demand by State
Technical Sales
Technical Sales Representatives serve a very important function in the welding industry. They are the conduit between manufacturers & distributors and their customer base. They relay information concerning new technologies that can improve the productivity, reliability, and quality of welding processes. Technical sales representatives also offer manufacturers invaluable technical support and guidance in the appropriate application of welding technologies.
Demand by State
Underwater Welder
An Underwater Welder uses many common arc welding processes to weld and cut in a wide range of aquatic environments. They must use their welding know-how and intricate knowledge of diving procedures and protocol to effectively lay down strong welds, often in tight spaces and less-than-forgiving surroundings. Hyperbaric chambers and cofferdams are used for dry welding, while wet welding is performed in open waters up to several hundred feet deep.
Demand by State
Welding Educator
Welding Educators - also known as welding instructors, trainers, or teachers - educate students in the theories and practical methods of welding. Welding educators use their conceptual and practical understanding of welding and welding instruction in order teach a wide range of welding knowledge and skills, including, but not limited to: welding techniques, positioning, fit-up, equipment set-up, welding theory, metallurgy and weldability of metals, print reading, utilizing welding codes and standards, and even inspection of welds.
Demand by State
Welding Engineer
Welding Engineers employ their extensive knowledge of physics, engineering, metallurgy, materials, welding, and standards to design, examine, and evaluate welds as well as to plan, supervise, and document welding operations in accordance with relevant codes, contracts or drawings. The role of the Welding Engineer is critical to the integrity of the vast number of buildings, vehicles, machinery and products that require welds.
Demand by State
Welding Fabricator
Metal fabrication is the process of creating or building a usable product out of metal. Raw materials are bent, shaped, welded or cut to complete the final product. All of the tasks during the fabrication process, from start to finish, are completed at the hands of a welder fabricator. Many welder fabricators possess the skills, knowledge, and passion to fabricate custom cars, motorcycles, metal art, and much more!
Demand by State
Welding Inspector
Welding Inspectors employ their extensive knowledge of welding processes, test methods, discontinuities, materials, qualifications, and standards to ensure that weldments and welding-related activities comply with all applicable quality and safety criteria. The role of the Welding Inspector is critical to the safety and structural soundness of the vast number of buildings, vehicles, machinery, and consumer products that require strong, secure welds.
Demand by State
Welding Research Scientist
Welding Research Scientists are professionals who specialize in the joining of metals such as steel, aluminum, iron, and copper. They often work with unique metal alloys, where the research and studies they conduct are applied to help solve problems, develop new methods, and broaden the overall application of welding. A welding research scientist generally works in a lab environment, where all necessary equipment can be utilized to properly conduct testing and research for welding applications.
Demand by State
Welding Supervisor
Welding Supervisors combine management skills with an extensive knowledge of welding processes and welding economics to plan, staff, monitor, and safely deliver welding projects according to schedule and budget. These responsibilities place Welding Supervisors in a unique position to increase productivity and product quality in every industry that uses welding as a core process in the manufacturing of products.
Demand by State
Welding Technician
Welding Technicians use their extensive knowledge of joining processes, materials, welding equipment, welding techniques, and standards to assist welding engineering personnel with the development, application, evaluation, and documentation of welding techniques, equipment, and processes used to manufacture welded products according to relevant codes. Welding technicians may also play a role in product engineering and research and development.
Demand by State