Welder at CE Trades Training and Apprenticeships – Welding

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at CE Trades Training and Apprenticeships – Welding in Raleigh, NC

About This Program

CE Trades Training and Apprenticeships – Welding sponsors a registered welder apprenticeship in Raleigh, North Carolina. This non-union, employer-sponsored program is designed to provide aspiring welders with a comprehensive, paid training experience that supports career entry into the skilled trades without the cost of traditional education.

The three-year program consists of 6,000 hours of on-the-job training and 432 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices receive training in core welding processes including MIG, TIG, and shielded metal arc welding, alongside instruction in blueprint reading, weld symbols, joint preparation, metal cutting and fitting, and welding safety. CE Trades' focus on structured training and apprenticeships means the program is built around setting apprentices up for success at every stage.

Completing this apprenticeship leads to journey-level welder credentials and opens doors to employment in North Carolina's expanding manufacturing, construction, and industrial sectors. Raleigh's growing economy and skilled trades demand make this a timely and well-positioned program for those entering the welding field.

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.

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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