Welder at Miller Welding

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at Miller Welding in Appleton, WI

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.

How to Apply

About This Program

Miller Welding sponsors a registered Welder Apprenticeship in Appleton, WI. This non-union, time-based program is designed for individuals ready to build a welding career in the Fox Valley region through structured, paid training in a professional welding environment.

The three-year program includes 6,000 hours of on-the-job training and 432 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices develop working knowledge of welding processes, metal fabrication, joint preparation, and the safe and effective use of welding equipment. Technical instruction addresses welding theory, metallurgy, print and symbol reading, applicable codes and standards, and quality inspection fundamentals.

Upon completing the program, graduates are recognized as journey-level welders ready to work across manufacturing, construction, and fabrication industries. Appleton and the greater Fox Valley area have a strong manufacturing and industrial employment base, and a registered apprenticeship credential from Miller Welding provides graduates with a solid foundation for long-term career advancement in the trade.

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

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!

See something wrong? Help us improve this page.