EARN WHILE
YOU LEARN

HOW TO PREPARE

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.

  • Get comfortable with math:

Reading fractions and decimals for precise measurements, Basic Algebra, Basic Geometry (calculating angles, areas, volumes)

  • Prepare to discuss your:

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)

  • Read up on the industry and the occupation the apprenticeship is focused on
  • Study Welding Blueprint reading
  • Review Metallurgy Basics: Common metals (steel, stainless, aluminum, cast iron), How heat affects metal (expansion, warping, distortion), Which metals are weldable and which need special techniques
  • Enroll in welding programs at your local Community College or Trade School
  • Practice welding projects at Industrial Arts Programs or Makerspaces
  • Striking and maintaining an arc
  • Running straight, consistent beads in flat and horizontal positions
  • Tack welding and fit-up
  • Check out ARCademy videos to learn more!

HOW TO GET AN APPRENTICESHIP

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.

HOW TO FIND UNION APPRENTICESHIPS

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.

Explore trade unions

Trade unions that have apprenticeships that teach welding skills include:

Ironworkers

Structural steel and ornamental welding

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.

Millwrights

Welding for machinery installation and repair.

Operating Engineers

Often require welding for heavy equipment maintenance and structural work.

WHAT EMPLOYERS LOOK FOR

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.