Accelerating the change with apprentice turned supervisor Edwin Street

shipyard spotlight

STORY BY ANNA TAYLOR • PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST PHOTOS BY TONY ANDERSON • NNSY PHOTOGRAPHER

Accelerating the Change with Apprentice turned Supervisor, Edwin Street As a child, Edwin Street Jr. witnessed the often rigid dichotomy between doing what you love and working to pay the bills. His father, Edwin Street Sr., was a talented carpenter, but he was never able to translate that passion into a reliable career. Instead, the elder Street spent much of his life working in warehouses, and only pursued carpentry in retirement.

“I looked back at my father and I wondered why he didn’t do that as his career,” said Street. “I didn’t want to go through my life not doing what I love to do.”

Street describes himself as optimistic and creative. He loves to build things, and wanted to be an inventor as a child growing up in New Jersey. “I’d always heard about the apprenticeship program in this area, and I went to an orientation at Tidewater Community College (TCC) which really broke it down for me. I liked the concept of learning for four years.”

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Street and his wife met in New Jersey, but relocated to Virginia to start their family. Their careers eventually brought them to the Hampton Roads area, and after working for several contractors, Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s (NNSY) Apprentice Program seemed a natural next step for the promising but greenhorn craftsman.

“Every other job you need to have the skill and hit the deck running,” explained Street. “Here they’ll train you for four years while you’re working and give you a skill and a trade, which I thought was exciting. So I applied, and the first thing I chose was Shipfitting.”

Street completed the apprenticeship and moved into a role as Work Leader. Six and half years into his career at NNSY, he is now a newly promoted Structural Group (Code 920) Shop 11 Shipfitter Supervisor on the USS La Jolla (SSN-701) Project, where he was previously a mechanic and Work Leader. “I’m still learning that role,” said Street. “Here in the shipyard, it’s definitely a challenge,

12 THINGS you didn't know about

Edwin Street Jr. 1. Red is my favorite color.

2. My lucky number is 21.

3. My favorite food is good food.

4. When I was little I wanted to be an inventor.

5. Lenny Kravitz would play me in the movie about my life.

6. In three words, I am friendly, optimistic, and creative.

7. My superpower would be to read minds.

8. My favorite karaoke song is Shiny Happy People by R.E.M. 9. I love to freestyle dance. but I’ve taken what I’ve learned so far and tried to apply that to effectively leading others. Each day I try to get here and create a plan. When everyone comes in we can have a good night knowing what’s expected of us, so when we’re faced with challenges we can adapt. Each day is different.”

A self-described “Change Agent,” Street enjoys the fluid nature of working at America’s Shipyard and the myriad associated challenges. “What I like most about my job is we’re at a place that’s constantly changing.

The industry is changing, the workforce is changing, and the style of how we do business is changing,” he said. “What we get to do and how we get to see it develop is a massive responsibility; it’s hard to wrap your mind around. So I like the fact that there is always something to learn here and always room to grow.”

Street has been able to do what his father could not quite accomplish; performing a job he loves at a place where he is valued as an employee and as a leader. “What I bring to the table as an individual is unlike anyone else. Each of us have something different to offer the team, and I think because of who I am, the shipyard needs me,” said Street. “We all have a skillset, and all of us together make it work. There’s not one style or one way to work a job, so my input is important, and being a good example and a good influence is important.”

In addition to the motivation provided by his father, Street has found leadership inspiration by emulating those who came before him. “There are people who I observed when I was apprentice, and they were very inspiring to me,” said Street. “I appreciate good management styles, and people who really know how to rally others around an idea, and I’ve looked at some of those people and their styles and I remember how they affected me, so I try to learn from them and implement their methods so I can always be growing.”

Personal mastery for Street extends beyond his responsibilities at the shipyard.

He is the Vice President of his Civic League and an active member of the community, effecting change whenever he has the chance. “My goal is to grow and to influence others. I would really love to see us doing better as a culture.”

Street encourages new employees, especially incoming apprentices, to seek opportunities to learn new things and develop beyond just a job title. “Be open.

You may learn something you didn’t expect. Find a mentor. Be bold and inquisitive,” said Street. “We have a goal. Our goal is to stay relevant and sustainable, and to be number one in what we do and to take pride in that."

10. I could never give up my family.

11. My dream car is a Volkswagen camper van.

12. I love my mom’s chocolate cake with cream cheese icing and strawberries on top.

FEBRUARY 2016 • SERVICE TO THE FLEET • 13