Welders Apprenticeship at CHN – Grand Island
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in Nebraska / Welders Apprenticeship at CHN – Grand Island
Welders Apprenticeship at CHN – Grand Island, NE
Program Information
The Welders Apprenticeship at CHN, offered in partnership with Central Community College in Grand Island, Nebraska, provides a structured pathway for individuals seeking to begin a career in professional welding and metal fabrication. This apprenticeship blends extensive on-the-job training with related classroom instruction, ensuring that apprentices gain both the practical skills and the technical knowledge required to perform high-quality welds across a variety of industrial settings. Apprentices train under the guidance of experienced mentors who provide instruction in welding processes, metal preparation, blueprint interpretation, and equipment operation.
On-the-job learning forms the foundation of this apprenticeship. Over the course of the program, apprentices work directly with fabrication teams, performing tasks such as assembling metal components, setting up welding fixtures, preparing workpieces, and executing welds according to precise specifications. Apprentices develop competency in reading work orders, understanding layout diagrams, interpreting weld symbols, and following standard welding procedures. Instruction emphasizes accuracy, safety, and quality control, ensuring that apprentices graduate with a strong understanding of proper weld techniques and production standards.
The related instruction component complements field experience by teaching the theoretical and technical aspects of the welding trade. Coursework may include welding fundamentals, metallurgy, blueprint reading, safety standards, shop math, and equipment maintenance. Education partners collaborate closely with CHN to ensure that the curriculum reflects current industry needs and prepares students for long-term employment in manufacturing, construction, and fabrication industries. Graduates of the program gain the skills required to perform professional welds in flat, horizontal, and vertical positions and may become eligible for industry-recognized certifications.
This apprenticeship is ideal for individuals who want to build a strong foundation in welding while earning income and gaining hands-on experience. With a combination of practical training and structured instruction, apprentices leave the program prepared for entry-level welding positions with opportunities for growth into advanced welding roles, fabrication careers, or further specialized training.
Program Length
1 year of structured on-the-job training with complementary related coursework.
Program Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Ability to follow detailed instructions and read blueprints
- Physical ability to lift materials, operate equipment, and work in manufacturing settings
- Commitment to learning welding processes and safety procedures
Responsibilities
- Work from orders, blueprints, diagrams, and route sheets
- Use wire-feed welding equipment to complete welds per specifications
- Select and position welding fixtures and tools
- Perform welds of specified length, radius, and size to meet production requirements
- Assemble both simple and complex weldments
- Adjust amperage and voltage for weld quality and efficiency
- Set accurate angles and dimensions through proper fixturing and part positioning
- Strike arcs, guide welding guns, and maintain proper arc length
- Judge weld quality based on color, sound, and puddle characteristics
- Weld in flat, horizontal, and vertical positions
- Clean and prepare joints using grinders, brushes, or chemical baths
- Cut metal using oxy-acetylene torch when required
Apprenticeship Cost & Career Outlook
This is a Registered Apprenticeship Program — meaning you will earn while you learn.
- Paid on-the-job training with increasing wages
- Classroom or technical instruction provided by the program
- No tuition costs — apprentices are paid during training
- Nationally recognized credential upon completion
Because apprenticeships are managed through the U.S. Department of Labor, College Scorecard data for tuition and earnings does not apply. Apprenticeships provide real-world experience and a direct path to journeyman-level wages without student debt.
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.