Welder Underground is an apprenticeship program created to empower a new generation of welders and metal fabricators through an innovative six-month 'earn while you learn' program. It is a non-profit initiative of The Collab-Orators, a Brooklyn-based 501(c)3 organization. The mission is to provide young adults with the skills, experience, and AWS certification needed to excel in the welding and metal fabrication industry. 

By blending apprenticeships with project-based learning, each cohort learns the skills needed to succeed by building large-scale public art installations in collaboration with established artists. In approaching workforce development through this methodology, we equip individuals with technical expertise while instilling a sense of community, creativity, and purpose. Our commitment extends beyond training. Our goal is to foster a movement that revitalizes interest in welding and metal work as a means to positively impact the world while advancing the skills of young people from emerging communities throughout the country.