BREMERTON, Wash. –
Since 1901, the Apprentice Program at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility has helped provide the shipyard with highly trained professionals ready to contribute to its mission. Back in those early days, the Shipyard Labor Board selected six men to train under skilled craftsmen at the command. In the ensuing years, that small course has grown to become an award-winning, advanced training program, which has produced thousands of skilled tradespeople.
To help PSNS & IMF workers interested in the program, the PSNS & IMF Apprentice Program conducted a Knowledge Fair on the second floor of Building 460, March 10-11 and March 19-20.
Career advisors and instructors from 23 shops and codes were on hand to help potential candidates learn about the trades and skills needed in various shops, the hiring process, pay bands, and to answer any questions interested workers had.
Jenean Valencia, electroplater helper, Shop 31, Inside Machinist, was one of the many command employees looking for information about the program and what it has to offer.
“It’s amazing all the things we do here,” said Valencia. “I wanted to see everything that was available and where I might fit best.”
Statements like that are encouraging to Jeff McGloin, the PSNS & IMF Apprentice Program manager.
“This is our third year having this event,” said McGloin. “It’s a way for us to get the word out and clear up any misconceptions about the program. I want people to know that the program is for everyone. We have 20 year olds who start the program alongside 50 year olds also looking to become apprentices. Wherever people are, the program can be the first step into a new career.”
The four-day showcase also featured assistance from Olympic College, which helped employees in signing up for the Accuplacer test, which helps measure an applicant’s proficiency in reading, writing and math. The test is a requirement for the Apprentice Program and helps candidates find where their skills might fit best.
“What we are looking for is somebody willing to work and learn a trade,” said McGloin. “There is a misconception that we are looking for experienced workers. No experience is necessary. We have experienced trainers who can teach people the skills they will need. We are just looking for the people who want to learn them.”
The four-year program works in conjunction with Olympic College to help students earn an Associate of Tech Arts degree at the same time they become journey level mechanics. College instructors come to PSNS & IMF to teach, eliminating the need for students to travel to the OC campus in Bremerton.