Welder at Salem Welding & Supply
at Salem Welding & Supply in Salem, OH
About This Program
Salem Welding & Supply sponsors a registered welder apprenticeship program in Salem, Ohio. This non-union program provides a paid, structured training path for individuals looking to develop welding skills in an environment that combines hands-on shop work with formal technical education.
The program spans three years, during which apprentices complete 6,000 hours of on-the-job training and 432 hours of related technical instruction. Training covers fundamental welding processes including MIG, TIG, and shielded metal arc welding, along with metal preparation, fitting, blueprint reading, weld inspection, and safety practices. The supply-side context of the sponsoring company gives apprentices additional exposure to welding materials and equipment knowledge that enhances their overall understanding of the trade.
Upon completing the apprenticeship, graduates earn journey-level welder credentials and are ready for employment across Ohio's manufacturing, construction, and industrial maintenance sectors. Salem is situated in the Mahoning Valley, a historically strong region for skilled trades employment, making this program a well-located starting point for a welding career.
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.
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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