How long is a welding apprenticeship?

Welding apprenticeships usually last three to four years of full-time instruction and on-the-job training. Most apprenticeships require at least 144 hours of classroom instruction each year. The practical component of an apprenticeship involves a minimum of 2,000 hours of hands-on training in the field per year. The coursework and fieldwork combined equate to a 40-hour work week. At the end of the apprenticeship, you must pass an exam to advance to a journeyman level.