Welder at Elite Welding & Fabrication
at Elite Welding & Fabrication in Galesburg, MI
About This Program
Elite Welding & Fabrication offers a registered welder apprenticeship program based in Galesburg, Michigan. This non-union, employer-sponsored program provides a structured, paid path into the welding and metal fabrication trade for individuals looking to build a lasting career in manufacturing.
Over the course of three years, apprentices complete 6,000 hours of on-the-job training alongside 432 hours of related technical instruction. Training covers fundamental and advanced welding processes such as MIG, TIG, and flux-core welding, as well as metal cutting, fitting, blueprint reading, and quality inspection. Apprentices work directly in the shop environment, developing hands-on skills with real fabrication projects under the supervision of experienced welders.
Completing this apprenticeship qualifies graduates as journey-level welders and fabricators prepared to work independently on a wide range of metal joining and fabrication tasks. The skilled trades remain in strong demand across Michigan's manufacturing sector, and this program provides the experience and credentials to compete for well-paying positions in the field.
Wage & Training
Journeyman Wage
$24
OJT Hours
6,000
RTI Hours
432
Duration
3 years
Wage data is the national median for this occupation (BLS, May 2023), not specific to this program.
How to Apply
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
Trade School
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