Welder at Arc Rite Welding

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at Arc Rite Welding in Truesdale, MO

Wage & Training

Journeyman Wage

$24

BLS 2023

OJT Hours

6,000

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

RTI Hours

432

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

Duration

3 years

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

Wage data is the national median for this occupation (BLS, May 2023), not specific to this program.

About This Program

Arc Rite Welding offers a registered welder apprenticeship in Truesdale, Missouri. This non-union program is designed for individuals who want to develop professional welding skills while earning a paycheck — no prior experience required to start this structured training pathway.

Over three years, apprentices log 6,000 hours of on-the-job training and complete 432 hours of related technical instruction. The curriculum covers a range of welding processes including MIG, TIG, and stick welding, as well as metal preparation, fitting, layout, and interpretation of welding symbols and blueprints. Safety training and quality inspection practices are integrated throughout the program to ensure apprentices meet industry standards.

Graduates of the Arc Rite Welding apprenticeship earn journey-level welder credentials and are ready to pursue skilled employment across a wide range of sectors. Welding is a trade with consistent demand in Missouri's manufacturing, agricultural, and construction industries, and this apprenticeship provides the verified skills and experience employers seek.

Welder Career Outlook

National Median

$23.81/hr

~$49,524.8/yr

Apprentice Start

$15.5/hr

Earn while you learn

Job Outlook

Employment for welders is projected to remain steady with consistent demand driven by infrastructure spending, manufacturing, and energy sector projects. Aging infrastructure across the U.S. requires ongoing repair and replacement, creating sustained need for skilled welders. Retirements in the current workforce are expected to generate additional openings over the next decade.

What to Expect as a Welder Apprentice

Duration

3 years of combined on-the-job training and classroom instruction

On-the-Job Training

~40 hours/week of hands-on work under journeyman supervision (6,000 total hours)

Classroom Instruction

432 hours of related technical instruction (~144 hours/year)

Paid Training

You earn a wage from day one, starting at a percentage of the journeyman rate and increasing as you progress

Time-based program: You'll progress through the program based on completing a set number of hours in both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.

Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for Welder

Apprenticeship

Cost$0 (earn while you learn)
Duration3 years
Starting wage$15.50/hr
Journeyman wage$23.81/hr
CredentialJourneyman card

Trade School

Cost$5,000–$20,000+
Duration6–24 months
Starting wageEntry-level
ExperienceHands-on labs
CredentialCertificate / diploma

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