Welder Underground (WUG) has been forged as a paid apprenticeship program to teach young people the art of welding and metal fabrication.  It has been imagined as a movement to inspire a new generation of welders to learn the skills and use their talents to improve their communities by building and servicing parks, schools, and other community centers in their neighborhood.

WUG  aspires to build a community of new welders throughout the country,creating a vast network of AWS certified welders who are not just skilled technicians but also community leaders and innovators. Through community projects and artistic collaborations, Welder Underground graduates will lead a movement in welding and fabrication. Employing their newfound talents, graduates will teach others, and collaborate with teams of like-minded individuals to shape the world they imagine.

We envision a future where Welder Underground is at the forefront of community transformation and our alumni are creating sustainable, impactful work that benefits current and future generations.