APPRENTICESHIP APPLICATIONPaid Welding Apprenticeship · Brooklyn
Apply to Welder Underground
Welder Underground is a paid apprenticeship program designed to prepare you to enter the field of welding and metal fabrication jobsite-ready.
Cohort 4 begins October 1, 2026 and runs through February 5th 2027. The apprenticeship runs Monday-Friday 6:45 AM-3:30 PM.
Apprentices receive $600 per week and an unlimited monthly MetroCard.
Applications close Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET.
How selection works: The full selection process has four stages. Everyone begins with Step 1. After each stage, selected applicants will be invited to continue to the next.
- Submit your application video — for internal purposes only, seen by the Welder Underground team
- Complete a questionnaire
- Attend an in-person selection day in Brooklyn
- Acceptance — decisions no later than September 20
Requirements
- At least 18 years old
- Resident of one of the five boroughs of New York City
- Prepared to start the program October 1 and continue through February 5th
- Able to attend in person in Brooklyn, Monday through Friday, from 6:45 AM to 3:30 PM
- Comfortable appearing on camera — documenting and sharing your work is part of the program
Our Schedule
The day begins at 6:45 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m.
We start early because the welding, fabrication, and construction industries start early. Our schedule prepares apprentices for the hours they are likely to encounter in the field. Starting early also means finishing early, leaving the rest of the afternoon and evening open.
Before applying, make sure you can commit to the full schedule and arrive ready to begin work at 6:45 a.m. each day.
Who Should Apply
Welder Underground is for people interested in building a career with many possible pathways. Welding and metal fabrication can lead to work in construction, infrastructure, manufacturing, transportation, architectural fabrication, specialty fabrication, public art, and many other industries.
You may be a strong fit if you enjoy working with your hands, take pride in hard work, like active and high-energy days, and understand that becoming a professional welder is a process. It takes practice, focus, discipline, and time.
How Selection Works
Selection takes place in four stages.
Stage 1: Online Application
The application begins with a few short videos — your phone camera is all you need.
You will have 90 seconds to share with us why you want to be part of the program.
Confirm you understand the requirements, then answer the questions. We want to understand who you are, why this career interests you, and whether you are prepared to commit to the program's dates and schedule.
Be honest and speak in your own voice. We are interested in your motivation, your goals, and what you hope to build through this opportunity.
Your application videos are for internal use only and will not be shared outside of Welder Underground.
Stage 2: Questionnaire
Applicants selected to continue will complete an additional questionnaire about their background, interests, availability, and career goals.
Stage 3: In-Person Selection Day
Applicants invited to this stage will participate in a series of interviews and assessments at Welder Underground. Everything takes place on the same day.
You will experience the shop environment, complete a series of hands-on activities, and interview with members of the Welder Underground team.
The hands-on activities will help us evaluate your dexterity, focus, ability to follow instructions, comfort working with tools, response to feedback, and readiness for the physical demands of the program.
Stage 4: Acceptance
Applicants accepted into the program will be notified no later than September 20.
Applicants accepted into the program will be required to get vaccinated for tetanus. We will pay for your vaccination.
Expect an intensive pace. You will build your skills through repetition, discipline, and time on the tools. Come prepared to work hard, take direction, and improve every day.
Applications close Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET.
