Mechanical Trades Carolina is the premier welding/piping and HVAC apprenticeship-training center in the Carolinas. We have been training young men and women for careers in the commercial and industrial construction fields throughout the Carolinas and across the country since the 1950s. Our graduates and current apprentices are employed in a wide variety of industry sectors with the top contractors in the country.

MTC is a state- and U.S. Department of Labor-registered five-year apprenticeship program. Our apprentices attend part-time evening classes during the week at one of our four training centers located throughout the Carolinas (Charlotte, Raleigh, Jacksonville, N.C. and Charleston, S.C.) and work full time, while receiving paid on- the-job training under the direction of one or more of our highly skilled craft-specific journey workers.

Our apprentices receive the following: paid on-the-job training, competitive salary with yearly raises, full medical benefits for themselves and family, pension, annuity and college credits upon successful completion of our program from Washtenaw Community College with zero student loans to repay.

Mechanical Trades Carolina also offers a welding pre-apprenticeship. Students who complete this 18-week, USDOL-registered pre-apprenticeship course will receive industry-recognized credentials and be eligible to enter a welding, plumbing, HVAC/R or pipefitting apprenticeship as a second-year apprentice.

Increase your first-year apprentice pay from $18.21 per hour to $19.72 per hour (first-year apprentice pay vs. third-year apprentice pay) with successful completion. Then, earn full benefits and free training as a registered apprentice while you work.

Tuition is free, but students are responsible for welding supplies and appropriate attire.