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Welding Apprentice Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$111K/yr

Must have a Bachelors or Registered Apprentice (grad) and at least 2 years relative trades ... Specific experience must include "hands-on" involvement in the layout, fitting, and welding of ...

... and welding techniques Basic Qualifications: · High school diploma or GED · Licensed Journeyman-level welder or successful completion of state certified apprenticeship program or equivalent ...

... and welding techniques Basic Qualifications: · High school diploma or GED · Licensed Journeyman-level welder or successful completion of state certified apprenticeship program or equivalent ...

Welder

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$23 - $35/hr

Apprenticeship or certification in welding from secondary school is preferred VTG's estimated starting pay range is $23-35 per hour, which is a general guideline for the geographic location. When ...

Apprenticeship or certification in welding from secondary school is preferred VTG's estimated starting pay range is $23-35 per hour, which is a general guideline for the geographic location. When ...

Welder

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$23 - $35/hr

Apprenticeship or certification in welding from secondary school is preferred VTG's estimated starting pay range is $23-35 per hour, which is a general guideline for the geographic location. When ...

Pipe Welder

Richmond, VA · On-site

$26 - $33/hr

We want someone on our team who can teach, coach, and provide direction to apprentices and helpers ... Determine required equipment and welding method, applying knowledge of metallurgy, geometry, and ...

We want someone on our team who can teach, coach, and provide direction to apprentices and helpers ... Determine required equipment and welding method, applying knowledge of metallurgy, geometry, and ...

Apprenticeship or certification in welding from secondary school is preferred VTG's estimated starting pay range is $23-35 per hour, which is a general guideline for the geographic location. When ...

Welder I, II, III

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$17 - $22.50/hr

Apprenticeship or Welding trade school with six months practical experience or one year of practical relatable experience * Certificate documentation required for listed education * Fire watch ...

Showing results 21-40

Welding Apprentice information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$19

$26

How much do welding apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for welding apprentice in Virginia is $19.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $21.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do welding apprentices get paid?

Welding apprentices typically earn between $10 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the stage of their apprenticeship. As they gain skills and certifications, their pay generally increases, and some programs offer additional benefits or stipends for tools and training.

What is the difference between Welding Apprentice vs Welding Trainee?

AspectWelding ApprenticeWelding Trainee
CredentialsOften requires high school diploma; may need basic certificationsTypically no formal credentials required; on-the-job learning
Work EnvironmentOn-site in manufacturing, construction, or fabrication shopsSimilar work environments, often in training programs
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in construction, manufacturing, shipbuildingUsed interchangeably in training contexts, less formal

Welding Apprentice and Welding Trainee are often used interchangeably, but apprentices usually have more structured training and certifications. Both roles involve hands-on learning in similar work environments, preparing individuals for a career in welding.

How do I start a welding apprenticeship?

To start a welding apprenticeship, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic math skills, and a valid driver's license. Apply to apprenticeship programs through trade schools, unions, or employers, and be prepared to learn safety protocols, welding techniques, and use of tools like arc welders and grinders. Some programs require passing a skills assessment or physical exam before acceptance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a welding apprentice?

To thrive as a Welding Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of welding techniques, safety protocols, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with welding equipment, personal protective gear, and industry-standard certifications like OSHA 10 can be important. Attention to detail, willingness to learn, and strong teamwork skills help apprentices excel in challenging environments. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure safety, produce quality work, and successfully progress in the skilled trades.

How much does a welding apprentice get?

A welding apprentice typically earns between $10 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Apprentices often receive on-the-job training while working towards certifications and developing skills with welding tools and safety protocols.

How do I get into welding apprenticeship with no experience?

To start a welding apprenticeship with no experience, you should research local apprenticeship programs or technical schools that offer welding courses, and obtain basic certifications such as OSHA safety training. Gaining foundational skills in metalworking and demonstrating a strong work ethic can improve your chances of acceptance into an apprenticeship, which typically involves on-the-job training combined with classroom instruction.

What are the tasks and responsibilities of a welding apprentice?

As a Welding Apprentice, you will typically begin by assisting experienced welders, preparing materials, and maintaining equipment to ensure a safe and efficient work environment. You'll gradually take on more complex welding tasks, such as performing basic welds, reading blueprints, and adhering to safety protocols. Throughout your apprenticeship, you'll also participate in classroom instruction and hands-on training to learn different welding techniques and standards. This role often involves working closely with a team, including supervisors and other apprentices, and offers the chance to build foundational skills for a long-term welding career.
What are the most commonly searched types of Welding jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Welding jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Welding Apprentice jobs in Virginia? For Welding Apprentice jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Welding Apprentice jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Welding Apprentice jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Welding Apprentice jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Welding Apprentice job openings:
Infographic showing various Welding Apprentice job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,381 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

General Foreman - Plate/Weld Shop (Job ID: 1433)

Colonna's Shipyard, Inc.

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$88K - $111K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

General Foreman (Plate/Weld Shop)
Purpose:
Colonna's Shipyard is seeking a General Foreman for our Plate/Weld Shop to support operations in our shipyard in Norfolk, VA.
Position Summary:
Position maintains detailed understanding of project specifications and all requirements necessary for appropriate trades support, ensuring safe and efficient production in ship repair/industrial fabrication operations. Provides oversight to qualified trades workforce & trades supervision and is responsible for meeting overall schedule, budget, quality, and safety goals of work assigned.
The position is located onsite in Norfolk, VA and will often require hours beyond a standard work week with flexible schedule availability to support production/operations. Position may require limited travel.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Supports labor requirements for completion of job assignments. Understand specifications, blueprints, and job orders in order to effectively communicate duties to work teams. Maintains adequate personnel/manning levels, production space, tooling, and equipment assets, while establishing work processes to meet production schedules. Suggests changes in working conditions and use of equipment to increase efficiency of shop, department, or work crews. Analyzes and resolves work problems to minimize disruptions to production schedule.
Key responsibilities include:
  • Manages all shop resources by assigning trades personnel to Foremen based on project needs.
  • Supports trades foremen in supervising, assigning, coordinating, training, and evaluating semi-skilled and skilled trades personnel according to their skill, experience, and job knowledge. Recommends training to enhance skill and productivity of employees and assists in development of training processes/procedures. Continually monitor foremen's project designations, deck plate presence, understanding of work scope, and efficiency of trades management.
  • Manages lifecycle of shop personnel through all phases of employment, to include hiring and retention efforts of shop personnel, as well as developing/delivering coaching and disciplinary actions needed to address performance concerns. Responsible for personnel administration needs, to include recommendations/handling of change requests facilitated by EANs (pay, reclassification, etc.).
  • Engaged in workforce development by identifying candidates for additional development/mentorship opportunities, support succession planning efforts, and ensuring assigned apprentices have appropriate oversight and developmental resources.
  • Breaks broad projects down to practical action plans, ensuring adequate shop manning resources, and develops/executes POD for all shop resources (with the input of Foreman) daily to ensure production goals are executed safely and efficiently.
  • Responsible for final approval and presentation of all project deliverables via condition reports and approval/management of all material orders, ensuring contractual requirements and period of performance are met.
  • Responsible for complying with all technical aspects of the job including adherence to all drawings, procedures, etc. and manages test and inspection plans for assigned areas (overseeing submittal of required documentation, ensure foreman attend inspections as required, etc.).
  • Responsible for manufacturing, installation, operation, testing, and process operations that have a significant financial impact on the company's performance.

Additionally, position will:
  • Provide data/feedback for current budgets via hours management/EACs, including dates, and report scheduling and progress updates to superintendents/project management.

Required Qualifications:
  • Must have a Bachelors or Registered Apprentice (grad) and at least 2 years relative trades experience (or HS + 6 years trades experience) and 2 years of prior supervisory experience.
  • Must have knowledge of design principles, ASME/AWS codes, and safety standards as well as knowledge/ experience with various welding methods, weld procedures, and quality controls. Specific experience must include "hands-on" involvement in the layout, fitting, and welding of structural steel, pipe, plate, and sheet metal.
  • Must be experienced in supporting QA/QC programs and procedures.
  • Must have working knowledge of all standard ship repair/industrial fabrication tools and equipment (i.e., overhead cranes, saw, iron workers, shears, brakes, welding equipment).
  • Must have ability to understand job specifications, drawings, and corresponding technical references as well as ability to read/interpret blueprints and schematics.
  • Must have well-developed communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively communicate with employees/leadership/customers and prepare/deliver written reports and correspondence.
  • Must have regular, reliable attendance. Must be available to work all shifts (1st, 2nd, 3rd).

Preferred Skills/Qualifications:
  • Exposure to or experience supporting multiple trades is highly preferred.
  • 4 years of overall supervision experience for the trade to be supervised is highly preferred.

Security Requirements:
  • U.S Citizenship Required.
  • Ability to obtain DBIDS preferred.

Travel Requirements:
  • Minimal Travel; 10% or less.

Physical Requirements:
  • Must be able to lift, carry and transport heavy equipment and boxes. The exact weight requirements will be determined by the specific job, but no less than 20 lbs.
  • Must be physically agile to perform tasks in naval ships. Able to work on and climb ladders, work in extreme temperature environments, aboard ships, in shipyards, under industrial conditions and in confined spaces, including enter and moving through manholes.
  • May ride ships at sea for extended periods.
  • Able to perform other duties as required which may involve high heat, humidity, noise and dirty conditions, working aloft or over the sides of vessels.
  • Frequent exposure to noise due to machinery and equipment.
  • Employee is required to operate trucks, forklifts & man-lifts.
  • While performing the duties of this job, you may frequently be required to stand, walk & sit; use hands or fingers; handle or feel; talk and hear. Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, climb and balance, stoop, squat, kneel, twist and crawl.
  • Work in extreme temperatures and conditions. At times you will work in areas that have less adequate ventilation
  • Frequent use of respirator.
  • Protective clothing or equipment and face shields or goggles shall be worn when welding, cutting, or working with molten metal.

Respect, Pride, Truth, Family - These are our VALUES and the guidelines that make us a leader in our industry. We are pleased and confident in stating that our skilled employees are among the most respected experts in the ship repair industry.
Colonna's Shipyard, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
Additionally, Colonna's Shipyard provides a variety of benefits to support your best health, wellness, and future, to include medical/dental/vision options, company paid disability insurances, 401k with match, legal services, as well as company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).
Pay Range: $88,307 - $111,683.00/yr
Determination of base salary considers various factors, including but not limited to scope of responsibility, candidate's relative and specific experience, education level, key skills, as well as other business considerations. The company also provides a variety of benefits to support employees' best health and wellness. Additionally, the company offers a 401k retirement program with match, paid holidays, and competitive paid time off (PTO)