Welder Apprenticeships in Virginia
Virginia has 51 registered apprenticeship sponsors training welders — 3 of them union or joint labor-management programs. Apprentices earn a wage from day one and finish without tuition debt.
Registered sponsors
51
Union / joint programs
3
Median welder wage
$57,350
Virginia, all experience levels
Job growth 2022–2032
+7.1%
1,050 openings/yr
Largest Registered Sponsors
Union and joint labor-management programs are listed first — they typically pay the best apprentice rates and charge no tuition.
| Sponsor | City | Program type |
|---|---|---|
| BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair Union / joint | NORFOLK | Single Employer |
| Newport News Shipbuilding Union / joint | NEWPORT NEWS | Single Employer |
| (VA) FLEET READINESS CENTER MID-ATLANTIC AND AFFILIATES Union / joint | VIRGINIA BEACH | Single Employer |
| ABM | Alexandria | Single Employer |
| Acme Mechanical Contractors of VA Inc. | MANASSAS | Single Employer |
| Aerofin Corporation | Lynchburg | Single Employer |
| AMG, INC. | Lynchburg | Single Employer |
| Blauch Brothers, Inc | Harrisonburg | Single Employer |
| Capitol Boiler Works | Springfield | Single Employer |
| Cargill Turkey Products | DAYTON | Single Employer |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov).
What Welders Earn in Virginia
Wages
- Median annual wage: $57,350
- Average annual wage: $58,250
- Welders employed statewide: 10,690
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024. Apprentices typically start at 40–50% of the journeyman rate and get scheduled raises.
10-year outlook
- Projected growth 2022–2032: +7.1%
- Average openings per year: 1,050
- Employment: 9,830 → 10,530
Source: Projections Central / state workforce agencies.