Throughout recorded history, apprentice training has served as a vital means of preserving and continuing craftsmanship. In the ancient civilizations of Greece and Egypt, apprenticeships reached a high state of development. Yet, despite their heritage and value, apprenticeships remain virtually unknown to most people - especially to young men and women in search of an interesting and rewarding career.

An apprenticeship is a formal training program, which allows a person to receive thorough instruction and experience - both theoretical and practical - in the various aspects of a skilled trade. Today's apprentices are fully-trained, well-paid men and women acquiring skills and knowledge that will serve them well throughout their careers.

Craft Descriptions

1. Coatings Specialist
2. Electrician
3. Maintenance Electrician
4. Heating & Air Conditioning Worker
5. Heavy Metal Fabricator
6. Insulator
7. Machinist
8. Millwright
9. Molder
10. Non-Destructive Tester (NDT)
11. Outside Machinist
12. Patternmaker
13. Pipefitter & Maintenance Pipefitter
14. Rigger
15. Sheet Metal Worker
16. Shipfitter
17. Welder
18. Welding Equipment Repairer

Optional, Advanced Programs

Apprentices selected for the Advanced Optional Programs will spend about two years on the waterfront and the remainder of the apprenticeship in the optional program for which they are selected. Criteria for selection include academic grades, craft performance, attendance, personal interest, and aptitude for the work.

1. Advanced Shipyard Operations
2. Dimensional Control Technician
3. Marine Designer
4. Production Planner
5. Modeling and Simulation Program Analyst
6. Nuclear Test Technician
7. Cost Estimator