UA Local 123 – Welder Apprenticeship
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in Florida / UA Local 123 – Welder Apprenticeship
UA Local 123 – Welder Apprenticeship (Dover, FL)
Program Information
The UA Local 123 Welder Apprenticeship provides highly specialized training for individuals pursuing a career in industrial, commercial, and mechanical welding. Welders working within the United Association play a critical role across every sector of the construction industry, supporting plumbers, pipefitters, sprinkler fitters, HVAC-R technicians, and general mechanical contractors. This comprehensive apprenticeship equips trainees with the advanced knowledge and hands-on skills needed to join, fabricate, install, and repair metal components for piping systems, structural supports, and high-pressure mechanical applications found in hospitals, industrial plants, power facilities, commercial buildings, and large-scale construction projects.
Throughout the program, apprentices learn to interpret blueprints, system drawings, and detailed fabrication specifications to accurately plan, measure, cut, and assemble metal components. They receive training in multiple welding processes—including SMAW (Stick), GTAW (TIG), GMAW (MIG), and FCAW (Flux-Core)—allowing them to work in a wide range of environments and job sites. Instruction covers pipe welding, structural steel welds, bracket and support fabrication, specialty metals, and industry-standard joint preparation methods. Trainees practice welding in all positions, including flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead, ensuring they are prepared for the demanding conditions found on active job sites.
The UA Local 123 Training Center features advanced welding booths, cutting equipment, rigging stations, and real-world piping system setups. Apprentices receive direct instruction from certified welders and experienced UA journeymen who teach industry best practices in safety, shielding gas systems, metallurgy, heat control, and weld inspection. Classroom education reinforces on-the-job learning with additional training in welding symbols, blueprint reading, pipe layout, welding math, AWS and ASME standards, destructive and non-destructive testing methods, and the use of precision measuring tools.
As part of their field work, apprentices gain practical experience welding piping systems for potable water, steam, hydronic heating, medical gas, industrial process lines, structural supports, and mechanical equipment installations. Welders must adapt to a variety of environments—including confined spaces, elevated structures, outdoor conditions, and power plants—developing the versatility required to succeed in the trade. Upon completion, apprentices are prepared for UA certification testing and become skilled journeyman welders with the credentials needed to work on major commercial and industrial projects throughout Florida and beyond.
Program Length
Five-year apprenticeship combining intensive shop training, classroom education, and thousands of hours of supervised on-the-job welding experience.
Program Requirements
- Apply in person at the UA Local 123 Training Center, 3601 McIntosh Road, Dover, FL 33527
- Valid driver’s license
- Social Security card
- Valid birth certificate
- High school diploma or GED
- High school transcripts
- DD214 for military applicants
- Dependable transportation
Training Center Highlights
- Dedicated welding booths with industry-standard equipment
- Rigging and material-handling stations
- Live piping system installations for hands-on practice
- Instruction from certified welders and UA journeymen
- Opportunities for specialty certifications and continued skill development
Apprenticeship Cost & Career Outlook
UA Local 123 – Welder Apprenticeship is a Registered Apprenticeship Program — meaning you can earn while you learn through paid on-the-job training in Welding.
- Paid on-the-job training with step increases as you progress
- Classroom / technical instruction is part of the program structure
- Training costs are often low — but you may still pay for tools, books, or fees
- Credential earned at completion is recognized by employers in the industry
Registered apprenticeships are overseen by the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Agency. Because these programs aren’t traditional colleges, College Scorecard tuition and earnings data usually doesn’t apply.
Step-by-Step Career Guides
The programs and apprenticeships listed on this page relate to hands-on skilled trades. Explore the guides below to learn about training paths, licensing, salaries, and what to expect in each career field.