Becoming a welder in Danville, VA, typically begins with a technical school program or apprenticeship, combining hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships last about 6 to 18 months, requiring many hours of training under licensed professionals. According to the American Welding Society, there are approximately 771,000 welding professionals nationwide, with projections indicating a 2-3% job growth from 2025. Apprentices earn an average of $500 per week in Danville, VA, with experienced professionals often exceeding $60,000 annually. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like AWS help aspiring welders find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential.
