An electrode extension assembly is for a vacuum switching apparatus, such as a vacuum interrupter, including a vacuum envelope and separable contact assemblies. Each contact assembly includes a contact disposed in the interior of the vacuum envelope, and an electrode stem extending outwardly from the contact to the exterior of the vacuum envelope. The electrode extension assembly includes a number of extension members each being be joined to the electrode stem of a corresponding one of the contact assemblies on the exterior of the vacuum envelope by a welded joint formed by electron beam welding or plasma welding.