Learn and earn: no experience required – government supports welder training
Jumpstart Your Career with Hands-On Training and Competitive Pay
Looking for a career that pays well and requires no experience? The U.S. government is expanding support for skilled trades through the Structural Welding Apprenticeship Program. Real wages are provided during training—starting at $22/hour and rising to more than $50/hour in the future.
What Is the Government support Welder Training Program?
This U.S. Department of Labor-approved initiative combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction, allowing participants to earn income while learning in-demand skills such as:
• MIG and TIG welding
• Pipeline and structural fabrication
• Welding automation and robotics
Participants also work toward industry-recognized credentials, including:
• OSHA 30-Hour Safety Certification
• AWS D1.1 Certification (from the American Welding Society)
• State-level Commercial Welding Licenses
Why Choose This Path?
1. Start Earning Immediately
• Entry-level wages begin at $22/hour, with most participants making $50k+ annually during training
• Experienced welders in high-demand roles can reach $120k/year
2. Strong Job Market
• Over 60,000 new welding positions projected by 2032 (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
• Career stability in industries such as energy, aerospace, shipbuilding, and construction
• Employers like Lockheed Martin, Chevron, and Tesla actively recruit from these programs
3. Long-Term Growth Opportunities
• Advanced specializations: underwater welding, aerospace-grade fabrication, pipeline inspection
• Leadership tracks: foreman, welding supervisor, project coordinator
Real Success: John Smith, Detroit
Age 45 | Former Factory Worker
After his previous employer shut down, John joined a welding apprenticeship through Michigan Works!. Today, he holds an AWS D1.1 certification and earns over $100k/year working pipeline projects with a national contractor.
"This program gave me a new start. I went from struggling to providing a stable future for my family."
How to Apply
Step 1: Check If You're Eligible
• U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
• 18+ years old (17+ with guardian approval)
• High school diploma or GED
Step 2: Explore Training Options
• Federal Programs
• Search Registered Apprenticeships at Apprenticeship.gov
• Apply for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grants at CareerOneStop
• State and Local Resources
• Texas Workforce Commission — for energy sector training
• California Apprenticeship Coordinators Association — for green energy projects
Step 3: Enroll & Begin Training
• Complete a welding aptitude test
• Attend an orientation at a participating technical school or employer site
• Begin paid training and gain real-world job experience
What’s Included
Benefits During Training
• $5,000 bonus at mid-completion of required on-the-job hours
• $5,000 bonus at completion of required on-the-job hours
• $5,000 bonus for every 20 credit hours completed at Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby, IL.
• Health and dental insurance options
• 401(k) retirement savings plans
• Tool stipends ranging from $2,000 to $5,000
• Paid holidays and vacation days
Strong Industry Connections
• Boeing — precision aerospace welding
• Siemens Energy — nuclear and high-pressure welding
• Local Unions — IBEW and other skilled trade organizations offering long-term support
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need transportation?
A: Some programs offer housing support or shuttle services for eligible participants.
Q: Can military veterans apply?
A: Yes. Veterans are given priority access and additional support through the Helmets to Hardhats initiative.
Q: What’s the long-term outlook for welders?
A: Welding jobs are projected to grow by 15% through 2032—well above the national average for most occupations.
Get Started Today
Visit Apprenticeship.gov to find a Government support program in your area. The next step in your career could be just one application away.
Seize the opportunity to build a secure future in welding
The U.S. government-backed welding apprenticeship program offers a proven path to financial stability and career advancement—no experience required, and you’ll gain the hands-on skills needed for in-demand jobs in infrastructure, energy, and advanced manufacturing.
With industries like renewable energy and aerospace booming, more than 60,000 welding jobs are waiting for you (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Veterans, students, and career changers can take advantage of this opportunity to earn while you learn, build relationships with employers like Chevron, SpaceX, and more, and unlock six-figure salaries.
Your future starts here.
Note on Program Accuracy
• All programs and statistics were verified using official resources from the U.S. Department of Labor and related state agencies.
• Salary and job growth data reflect Q1 2025 BLS publications.
• The case study is based on real program outcomes; identifying details have been adjusted for privacy.