Welder

Every phase of ship construction -- from keel-laying to delivery -- demands the precise skills of the welder. Bulkheads, decks, framing and stiffeners are fused into one rigid structure using a wide variety of welding processes. The apprentice welder is first assigned to the Welding School for instruction in shielded metal arc welding. After qualifying, the student begins a rotation through various production areas to utilize this process. Skill and proficiency in such areas as semi-automatic and automatic structural and pipe welding are acquired through alternating periods of instruction in the Welding School and utilization of acquired skills on production work. Apprentice welders also receive training in the closely related Shipfitters and Steel Fabrication departments for familiarization with steel construction procedures. Further areas of instruction include non-destructive testing procedures, the Welding Engineering lab and welding equipment maintenance. Upon completion, the apprentice welder will be able to apply a wide range of welding techniques in joining a variety of metals.