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Welding Apprentice Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Welding Instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21 - $35/hr

After School Matters is seeking committed, part-time instructors to teach Welding programs for 12 ... We offer paid apprenticeships led by professionals in the fields of arts, communications and ...

Light Welder

Cary, IL

$19.75 - $26/hr

Vocational welding training or apprenticeship (preferred) * Basic AWS or company-specific certifications; working toward advanced qualifications * Ability to interpret simple blueprints with guidance

Light Welder

Cary, IL

$19.75 - $26/hr

Vocational welding training or apprenticeship (preferred) * Basic AWS or company-specific certifications; working toward advanced qualifications * Ability to interpret simple blueprints with guidance

Light Welder

Cary, IL

$19.75 - $26/hr

Vocational welding training or apprenticeship (preferred) * Basic AWS or company-specific certifications; working toward advanced qualifications * Ability to interpret simple blueprints with guidance

Welding

Lombard, IL · On-site

$18.25 - $22.50/hr

We are now hiring Manufacturing Associates for MIG Welders who are team players, versatile, and dependable! This position involves performing MIG welding on a variety of metal components, primarily ...

New

Welding

Lombard, IL · On-site

$18.25 - $22.50/hr

We are now hiring Manufacturing Associates for MIG Welders who are team players, versatile, and dependable! This position involves performing MIG welding on a variety of metal components, primarily ...

New

Perform TIG welding on stainless steel and mild steel components and assemblies * Read and ... Apprenticeship and development opportunities for motivated individuals * Opportunity to become part ...

Be Seen First

Mig Welders

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Minimum of a high school diploma and preferably formal training/certification in welding required with at least one year of related manufacturing experience involving an apprenticeship or vocational ...

Light Welder

Cary, IL · On-site

$17 - $17.51/hr

Vocational welding training or apprenticeship (preferred) * Basic AWS or company-specific certifications; working toward advanced qualifications * Ability to interpret simple blueprints with guidance

Light Welder

Cary, IL · On-site

$17 - $17.51/hr

Vocational welding training or apprenticeship (preferred) * Basic AWS or company-specific certifications; working toward advanced qualifications * Ability to interpret simple blueprints with guidance

Light Welder

Cary, IL

$17 - $17.51/hr

Vocational welding training or apprenticeship (preferred) * Basic AWS or company-specific certifications; working toward advanced qualifications * Ability to interpret simple blueprints with guidance

Light Welder

Cary, IL · On-site

$17 - $17.51/hr

Vocational welding training or apprenticeship (preferred) * Basic AWS or company-specific certifications; working toward advanced qualifications * Ability to interpret simple blueprints with guidance

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Welding Apprentice information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$9

$19

$26

How much do welding apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for welding apprentice in Elgin, IL is $19.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

Can you get an apprenticeship in welding?

Yes, aspiring welders can pursue apprenticeships through trade schools, unions, or employers that offer on-the-job training combined with classroom instruction. Welding apprenticeships typically last 3 to 4 years and often require a high school diploma or equivalent, along with basic skills in math and reading. Completing an apprenticeship provides hands-on experience with tools, safety procedures, and welding techniques essential for a welding career.

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 and classroom instruction.

What do welding apprentices get paid?

Welding apprentices typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the apprenticeship program. As they gain skills and certifications, their pay often increases, and some programs offer additional benefits such as training in welding techniques and safety procedures.

What are the most commonly searched types of Welding jobs in Elgin, IL?

The most popular types of Welding jobs in Elgin, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Welding Apprentice jobs in Elgin, IL?

For Welding Apprentice jobs in Elgin, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Welding Apprentice jobs in Elgin, IL are:

What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Welding Apprentice jobs?

Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Welding Apprentice job openings:

Infographic showing various Welding Apprentice job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $40,263 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Welding Instructor

Chicago, IL • On-site


After School Matters
201 - 500 employees

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 223 rated education and training

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$21 - $35/hr

Temporary

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Summary of Position: After School Matters is seeking committed, part-time instructors to teach Welding programs for 12-14 high school participants (12:1, instructor: teen ratio) between the ages of 14 to 20 for Summer 2026. The program will allow students to learn and engage in activities specific to the content area. An instructor will expose teens to a wide range of activities and concepts to meet measurable program outcomes. The instructor will recruit, teach, and mentor teens and manage operational pieces such as program planning and budget creation.
This part-time position is scheduled for approximately 20-30 hours per week per program session.
Program times for Summer 2026 will follow the schedule below:
June 22 - August 7
Monday - Thursday
8:30am to 12:30pm and/or 1:30pm - 5:30pm
Instructors must have a program curriculum plan. See ASM Program Planner
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Guide 7 week session for teens offering an introduction to welding in a fabrication setting
  • Instructors will be responsible for educating a diverse population of teenagers methods of GMAW, SMAW and GTAW, with a strong coinciding element of welding sciences and associated skills
  • The instructor will develop, plan and implement high quality content related field trips, master classes, events and guest visits to enhance instruction and training.
  • Instructors will be expected to participate in the recruitment, interview and selection process of teen program participants.
  • Instructors will also be expected to participate in planning and program dates such as instructor orientation, professional development workshops, meetings and other required sessions.
  • Supervise teens at an average of 12:1, instructor: teen ratio

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Comprehensive knowledge of safety guidelines in a weld shop
  • A thorough understanding of combination welding processes and associated prep/finishing skills
  • Knowledge of aluminum, steel and stainless welding processes
  • An understanding of the science of welding
  • Ability to read and understand technical drawings or blueprints
  • Familiarity with schools and career pathways in welding industries and an interest in working with teens

Qualifications:
  • Associates Degree in a related vocational program, Applied Science in Welding Technology, or Applied Industrial Technology preferred, equivalent professional experience accepted. Certifications also accepted in lieu of a university degree. Experience working in a field relevant to the content area is required.
  • Familiarity with specific Chicago neighborhoods is required.
  • Experience teaching, specifically teenagers, is highly preferred.
  • Commitment to diversity and inclusion is required.

Program Sessions and Schedules:
The typical schedule for program sessions are as follows:
  • Summer: 6 to 7 weeks, daily Monday through Thursday/Friday (based on the program model), four instructional hours daily in the afternoon. Additional hours are allotted for planning, recruitment, professional development and meetings. Exact program meeting days/times are flexible, with some restrictions, so long as instructional hours are met.
  • After School Matters has four program branches: North/Northwest, South/Southwest, Downtown, and Program Supports (special initiatives). Please note that Interstate-55 is an approximate dividing line between our North/Northwest and South/Southwest branches. This role is for the North/Northwest Branch at the 3435 N. Cicero Ave location.

Compensation: The pay rate is typically between $21-35 per hour based on experience and education.
About Us: After School Matters is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that annually offers after-school and summer programs to nearly 19,000 Chicago high school teens to explore and develop their talents while gaining critical skills that will set them up for success in college and beyond.
Thirty-five years later, now known as After School Matters, our program has engaged more than 450,000 Chicago teens and is the nation's largest and most successful provider of after-school and summer programs for high school teens. No other organization offers programs to high school students at the scale and quality that we do.
We offer paid apprenticeships led by professionals in the fields of arts, communications and leadership, sports, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Our nationally respected youth development model has been replicated in cities across the country and earned us the City Livability Award from the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
Programs take place at community locations throughout the city, including four ASM buildings: downtown at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts and Orleans, the Michael and Karyn Lutz Center in Belmont Cragin, and the Pullman community at Gately Park. Currently, After School Matters' annual operating budget is approximately $48M and employs approximately 500 staff across the organization. For more information, visit www.afterschoolmatters.org.
EEO: After School Matters is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, military discharge status, age, marital status, parental status, or source of income.


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