ABOUT WORKFORCE WELDING
The Steel Yard is dedicated to serving Rhode Islanders by providing access to education, training and facilities to learn and practice the industrial arts. To meet the needs of this community, the organization has developed Workforce Welding, a paid training program that provides the skills needed to gain, and maintain, livable-wage employment in the metalworking industries.
Our Workforce Welding Program is a paid 32-hour, week-long job-readiness program. Each session is Monday through Friday, 10 AM – 4:30 PM. During the training, you’ll learn industry safety standards and use metalworking tools such as the MIG Welder, oxy-acetylene torch, plasma cutter, chop saw, band saw, and angle grinder. These skills will be applied to a functional public art project that will be installed in the local community. This program does not lead to certification.
Completion of this week-long program will make you eligible to apply for a 3-month long, part-time internship in our Public Projects Department.
Programs are facilitated by highly-skilled artists and fabricators with industry experience, who teach participants to proficiently use the tools common to their industrial arts practice. The Steel Yard makes an effort to provide a professional experience for every participant, instructor, collaborator and applicant.
Applications for the Winter 2027 Veteran’s Workforce Welding will open November 20, 2026!
“In addition to building skills that will help jump start this new career for me, I developed an incredible amount of confidence in my capacity to learn a new skill and take up space in an industry I didn’t think had room for me. This one week was transformative and I am forever grateful to have had the opportunity to participate.” –Cedar Devine, Spring 2026 Cohort
WORKFORCE WELDING CURRICULUM
-MIG Welding
-Chop saw, band saw, grinder
-Oxyacetylene Torch
-Plasma Cutter
-Design strategy for welding
-Resume review and interview guidance
-Team building and collaborative thinking
PROGRAM BENEFITS
-A stipend of $300 will be paid upon successful completion of the program
-An additional 9 hours of studio access for continued practice
-Eligible for further paid opportunities at The Steel Yard
-Eligible to apply for a follow-up paid apprenticeship program
QUESTIONS?
At The Steel Yard, we believe everyone deserves access to the education, skills, and equipment needed to directly improve their conditions and community regardless of their race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sex, age or previous experience. The Steel Yard acknowledges the harm that has been done to BIPOC communities as a result of systemic racism and encourages our supporters and affiliates to join us in challenging ourselves to consistently do better. Read our full D.E.I & Anti-Racism Statement here.
QUESTIONS? Feel free to contact The Steel Yard at workforce@thesteelyard.org or by phone at 401-369-7776.