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Structural Apprentice Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Welder - Submarine Building

Hampton, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.25/hr

These functions include the repair and/or removal of old structural materials, the installation of ... Experience working in the marine welding/fitter trade gained through a formal apprenticeship or ...

Welder - Submarine Building

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $27.25/hr

These functions include the repair and/or removal of old structural materials, the installation of ... Experience working in the marine welding/fitter trade gained through a formal apprenticeship or ...

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$11

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$36

How much do structural apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for structural apprentice in Virginia is $20.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $21.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Structural Apprentice vs Structural Ironworker?

AspectStructural ApprenticeStructural Ironworker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training; apprenticeship programsHigh school diploma or equivalent; apprenticeship or technical training; certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, training facilities, workshopsConstruction sites, working at heights, outdoors
Industry UsageEntry-level role in construction industry, focusing on learning and assistingSkilled tradesperson responsible for installing and assembling steel structures

The main difference is that a Structural Apprentice is in training, gaining skills and experience, while a Structural Ironworker is a trained professional responsible for installing steel frameworks. Apprenticeship programs prepare individuals for a career as an Ironworker, who performs the actual construction work on-site.

What are Structural Apprentices?

Structural Apprentices are entry-level trainees who work under experienced structural workers, such as ironworkers or steel fabricators, to learn the skills needed for constructing and maintaining buildings, bridges, and other structures. Their training includes reading blueprints, assembling frameworks, installing metal components, and learning safety procedures. Structural Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, preparing individuals for a career in the structural trades. This role is essential for gaining practical experience and working toward becoming a certified structural worker or journeyman.

What types of projects and tasks can a Structural Apprentice expect to work on during their training?

As a Structural Apprentice, you will typically assist in constructing, assembling, and repairing structural frameworks and building components under the supervision of experienced tradespeople. Your daily tasks may include measuring materials, cutting and shaping steel or wood, installing beams, and following blueprints or technical drawings. Apprentices often rotate through different job sites, gaining exposure to residential, commercial, or industrial projects, which helps broaden their skillset. Collaboration with other trades, like electricians and plumbers, is common, and you'll learn to work efficiently within a team to meet project deadlines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Structural Apprentice, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Structural Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of construction principles, the ability to read blueprints, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand and power tools, safety protocols, and sometimes OSHA certification are typically required. Strong attention to detail, willingness to learn, teamwork, and effective communication are important soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure quality workmanship, a safe work environment, and successful collaboration with experienced tradespeople.
What are the most commonly searched types of Structural jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Structural jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Structural Apprentice jobs in Virginia? For Structural Apprentice jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Structural Apprentice jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Structural Apprentice jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Structural Apprentice jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Structural Apprentice job openings:
S/S Engineering Technician 4

S/S Engineering Technician 4

M.C. Dean, Inc

Chesapeake, VA

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


M.C. Dean rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

221st of 352 rated engineering


Job description

Overview
Your Future at M.C. Dean
We're seeking people driven to excellence and inspired to have a meaningful impact powering, automating, integrating, and securing the world's most critical infrastructure and facilities. This translates into fulfilling opportunities for employees driven to excel in a meaningful career. As an employee at M.C. Dean, you will join forces with more than 5,800 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure and resilient power and technology systems; and deliver the management platforms essential for long-term system sustainability. Together, we transform the way complex, large-scale systems are designed, delivered, and sustained-enhancing client outcomes, improving lives, and changing the world for the better.
The M.C. Dean, Inc. Maritime Division works at shipyards around the world from our regional offices in Chesapeake, VA, and San Diego, CA. Become a key member of our Alteration Installation Teams, supporting C4ISR system installations on ships and submarines. Join the top team on the waterfront, working for unrivaled compensation and benefits.
Responsibilities
Skills and Proficiencies:
  • Have superior skills in complex mechanical, sub-assembly, rack and chassis assembly
  • Have superior leadership abilities
  • Consistently demonstrate superior workmanship in a mission-critical environment

Other Responsibilities:
  • Work overtime upon management request
  • Maintain and safeguard company equipment and tools
  • Maintain and safeguard inventory
  • Organize and schedule jobs to an on-time completion

Qualifications
Minimum Education: (one of the following)
  • Completion of formal two-year or more contractor apprenticeship program in a related field that includes at least six months of formal classroom training that addresses structural design, and fabrication of metal objects.
  • Completion of four (4) years of U.S. military service with one of the following technical ratings: a) Mechanist Mate, Structural Mechanic, Machinery Repair, or Steel Worker
  • An associate degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Mechanical or Structural Engineering Technology

Experience: 5+ Years
  • At least five (5) years of experience in mechanical or structural assembly, repair, and layouts with a minimum of three (3) years of experience in mechanical and structural planning including shipboard mechanical and structural requirements rated to electronic installations such as antenna supports, equipment foundations, bulkhead and hull penetrations of cable and waveguide. Experience should include designing shipboard air conditions, venting and cooling systems, conducting and following layout surveys, analyzing test results, preparing, reviewing and modifying schematics, and developing data summary reports.

Safety and Physical Requirements: (have or obtain the following certifications)
  • Occupation Safety Haz-Mat
  • Shipyard Competent Person
  • Aloft/Climbing / Climbing Shipyard Stairs and Ladders
  • Working in Confined Spaces
  • Training and the Ability to Safely Lift and Move Objects of 50 LBS
  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Security and Work Locations:
  • Work is primarily in San Diego, CA and Norfolk, VA but you may travel for extended periods to other shipyards in the USA and to other Navy ports outside the USA
  • You must pass a background investigation
  • Requires a Valid driver's license. This position may require ongoing or intermittent use of a company vehicle.
  • Selected candidates must possess an acceptable driving record in accordance to our policy

Clearance: Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and may meet eligibility requirements, including U.S. Citizenship, for access to classified information. A secret clearance is required.
Abilities:
  • The position requires the ability to lift, carry, and move objects weighing up to [50 pounds] on a regular basis. Candidates must demonstrate physical strength and stamina to perform various tasks, including but not limited to, loading, and unloading, operating equipment, and assisting in the transportation of various materials. Proper lifting techniques and safety protocols must be followed to ensure personal and team safety.
  • Relocates a 12 foot stepladder without assistance.
  • Works at various heights up to 60 feet and can climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial lifts, catwalks and all types of ladders.
  • Walks, climbs, lifts, squats, crawls, kneels, pushes, pulls and reaches overhead on a routine and repetitive basis.
  • Possess good vision (may be corrected vision), the ability to see in color, and the ability to hear and communicate in English.
  • May use a standard ladder without exceeding the weight limit while carrying tools.
  • Tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
  • Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (including finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
  • See details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

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About M.C. Dean

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence®. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most recognizable mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. The company's capabilities include electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life-safety, instrumentation and control, and command and control systems. M.C. Dean is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, and employs more than 5,100 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure, and resilient power and technology systems; and deliver the management platforms essential for long-term system sustainability.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Tysons, VA, US

Year founded

1949

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