Paul Mueller Company and Springfield Public Schools Announce Welding & Grinding Youth Apprenticeship

Partnership creates direct bridge between classroom instruction and paid industry experience.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Paul Mueller Company, a leading stainless steel manufacturer, and Springfield Public Schools (SPS) have announced a new Welding and Grinding Registered Youth Apprenticeship program. Through this partnership, participating students aged 17 and up will have the opportunity to earn up to $25 per hour while gaining hands-on experience in stainless steel welding and grinding, and earning valuable education credits.

Why it matters

The apprenticeship program reinforces Paul Mueller Company's commitment to developing skilled trades and strengthening the regional manufacturing workforce, while also supporting SPS's vision of preparing students for high-demand careers. This collaboration aims to create meaningful opportunities for students and bolster economic growth in southwest Missouri.

The details

The Welding and Grinding Registered Youth Apprenticeship program follows the nationally recognized Registered Apprenticeship model, which emphasizes paid employment, structured on-the-job learning, industry-aligned training, and portable credentials. Through this partnership, students will have the chance to earn valuable work experience and education credits at Paul Mueller Company, one of the world's largest and most innovative stainless steel manufacturers.

  • The partnership was formally announced during the February 24, 2026 Springfield Public Schools Board of Education meeting.
  • The Welding and Grinding Registered Youth Apprenticeship program will be open to participating students beginning at age 17.

The players

Paul Mueller Company

A leading manufacturer of stainless steel processing equipment and heat transfer solutions, headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, with operations in Missouri, Iowa, and the Netherlands.

Springfield Public Schools (SPS)

The largest public school district in Missouri, playing a vital role in preparing students for high-demand careers.

Brandon Adamick

Sales & Marketing and Research & Product Development Director for Paul Mueller Company.

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What they’re saying

“We are thrilled to partner with Springfield Public Schools and the Missouri Department of Labor to launch a Welding and Grinding [registered] youth apprenticeship program. Paul Mueller Company has been a cornerstone employer in the community since 1940. We place the highest value on enhancing the quality of life for coworkers and the community. This program advances both commitments.”

— Brandon Adamick, Sales & Marketing and Research & Product Development Director (stocktitan.net)

What’s next

The Welding and Grinding Registered Youth Apprenticeship program will begin accepting participating students aged 17 and up.

The takeaway

This partnership between Paul Mueller Company and Springfield Public Schools demonstrates the power of collaboration between industry and education to create meaningful opportunities for students and strengthen the regional manufacturing workforce. By offering hands-on experience, industry-aligned training, and competitive wages, the apprenticeship program aims to prepare the next generation of skilled tradespeople and support economic growth in southwest Missouri.