THE APPRENTICE SCHOOL 2015 ANNUAL REPORT
THE APPRENTICE SCHOOL 2015 ANNUAL REPORT
2 Leadership Messages 4 Director’s Message 6 At-a-Glance 8 Administration 10 Craftsmanship Contributors: Justin Fisher, Alli Hamadyk, Jacob Johnston, Will Prescott, Steve Stallings, Vince Warren
24 Scholarship
Editor: April Shockley Kiehl Graphic Designer: Ben Scott Photographers: Chris Oxley, Ricky Thompson, John Whalen
36 Leadership 1
“The Apprentice Schools have been and will forever be the educational centerpiece of what we do at Huntington Ingalls Industries, and The Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School is a national model of excellence. Not only do our schools at Newport News Shipbuilding and Ingalls Shipbuilding have a legacy of producing graduates with the technical skills required to design and build ships for the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, our employees also learn the all-important craft of leadership. I am proud of HII’s robust workforce development initiatives and the fact that we are helping to meet the ever-growing demand for skilled workers across the United States.” Mike Petters President and CEO Huntington Ingalls Industries
“As a critical component of Newport News Shipbuilding’s commitment to attracting, retaining and developing talent, The Apprentice School has trained more than 10,000 highly skilled shipbuilders since the school opened in 1919. Educated in the school’s tradition of craftsmanship, scholarship and leadership, our alumni are poised to lead and develop the next generation of shipbuilders as they build and overhaul the most powerful naval vessels in the world.” Matt Mulherin President Newport News Shipbuilding
“As I put my apprenticeship and career with Newport News Shipbuilding in perspective, I’ve grown to appreciate the commitment apprentices and graduates of The Apprentice School make to act responsibly and with integrity to safely deliver first-time quality work. The school’s legacy is shaped by apprentices with a diversity of talents, backgrounds and experiences. Today’s apprentices will continue to shape the apprenticeship experience and shipbuilding industry for generations to come.” Ray Bagley Vice President, Trades Operations Newport News Shipbuilding Class of 1978 2
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DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE When Machinist Norwood Jones completed the first apprenticeship at Newport News Shipbuilding in 1894, few had an inkling of the mark generations of apprentices would make on the shipbuilding industry. Since The Apprentice School was formalized in 1919, more than 10,000 apprentices have embodied an earnest commitment to craftsmanship, scholarship and leadership. For more than 96 years, apprentices and alumni alike have played an integral role in the defense of our country by constructing the most powerful naval vessels in the world. Through four- to eight-year registered apprenticeships in 19 shipbuilding disciplines and eight Optional Advanced Programs, we are developing the future leaders of NNS and the shipbuilding industry. The Apprentice School’s unique combination of on-the-job training, strategically timed job experiences and related academic instruction is informed by the legacy of apprentices past, for it is in their commitment to working safely, doing the right thing and producing first time quality that we find our inspiration. This legacy of craftsmanship, scholarship and leadership continues with the accomplishments of faculty, staff, apprentices and alumni during the past year. For example, representatives of The Apprentice School received three Model of Excellence Awards for their leadership and contributions to operational excellence. The first female molder apprentice in the history of the program completed an apprenticeship in the Foundry. Student Services celebrated its 10th anniversary and piloted the Peer-to-Peer Tutoring Program, and our Builder baseball team won the United States Collegiate Athletic Association Small College World Series. Our annual report captures the many ways members of The Apprentice School community are writing the school’s legacy through their actions, innovation and continued commitment to excellence. Enjoy reading about their contributions to NNS, the larger community and our nation’s defense. Everett H. Jordan Jr. Director, Education Class of 1977
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THE APPRE
ENTICE SCHOOL 5
AT-A-GLANCE Founded in 1919 at Newport News Shipbuilding, The Apprentice School offers four- to eight-year apprenticeships in 19 shipbuilding disciplines and eight Optional Advanced Programs of study. The Apprentice School is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education and registered with the Virginia Apprenticeship Council. The school affords apprentices the opportunity to receive competitive pay and benefits, earn college credit, learn a trade and develop a lifelong commitment to craftsmanship, scholarship and leadership.
MISSION
The mission of The Apprentice School is:
• To contribute to the profitability and
growth of Newport News Shipbuilding by recruiting, training and developing men and women for careers in shipbuilding.
• To provide the company with a
continuous supply of journeypersons who possess the skills, knowledge and pride of workmanship which have traditionally distinguished the shipbuilding craftsman.
• To develop core leadership principles in
all students along with the character and technical competence that is required to fully meet the challenges of a shipbuilding career.
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CRAFTSMANSHIP
Apprentices spend a minimum of 7,000 hours learning a shipbuilding discipline and play an integral role in the construction, maintenance and overhaul of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines.
SCHOLARSHIP
Apprentices build a strong academic foundation during their completion of the World Class Shipbuilder Curriculum and Trade Related Education Curriculum, complementing on-the-job training in a shipbuilding discipline.
LEADERSHIP
Apprentices become leaders as they grow in their commitment to The Apprentice School’s leadership principles of integrity, commitment, improvement, respect, teamwork, empowerment, communication, planning and decision making.
CORE VALUES The Apprentice School has been committed to achieving the highest standards for craftsmanship, scholarship and leadership for more than 96 years. This commitment is honored by a strict adherence to the company values of Huntington Ingalls Industries:
INTEGRITY
Integrity is at the heart of who we are and what we do. We are each personally accountable for the highest standards of ethics and integrity. We will fulfill our commitments as responsible citizens and employees. We will consistently treat customers and company resources with the respect they deserve.
SAFETY
We value our employees above all else and will not compromise on maintaining a safe and healthy work environment for them. We expect everyone to actively participate and take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of those around them. Employees can report safety concerns without fear of reprisal and are empowered to stop work if an operation presents significant risk or danger. We continuously evaluate and improve our operations to understand and mitigate risk.
HONESTY
We are committed to being honest and fair with our customers, our employees, our stockholders and each other. We will be truthful, trustworthy and honorable in all aspects of our work.
ENGAGEMENT
We are committed to an engaged workforce. Our employees are very involved in what they do and take ownership of their work and their work processes. Engagement is a heightened level of ownership where employees want to do whatever they can for the benefit of their internal and external customers, and for the success of the organization as a whole.
RESPONSIBILITY
We seek and accept personal responsibility for our actions and results. We keep promises and commitments made to others. We are responsible for ensuring quality is a component of everything we do. We take pride in providing outstanding customer service.
PERFORMANCE
We hold ourselves to a very high standard of performance. We are committed to improving our company’s performance while upholding our strong values. Superior performance and quality ensure future trust and confidence in our products. We promote continuous improvement, innovation and creativity.
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Vince Warren, Ed.D.
Manager, Craft Training Class of 1987
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Alicia Uzzle, Ph.D. Manager, Academics
Keisha Pexton
Manager, Strategic Projects, and Athletic Director Class of 2003
Dan Brookman
Manager, Admissions and Student Services Class of 1976
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CRAFTSM
When the Fitters department needed bolts to secure safety stanchions while lowering an aircraft elevator on Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), Construction Supervisor Derek Briggs contacted Inside Machinist Craft Instructor Nick Perry with the request to manufacture the bolts. Inside Machinist Apprentices Troy Petrowicz (far left), Jonathan Long and Tyler Judy were assigned to manufacture the pieces. Petrowicz and Long began drilling the holes immediately after the material was delivered and manufactured 20 pieces the first day. Output was quadrupled the second day when Judy assisted in 10 completing the remaining 80 pieces.
The Apprentice School’s name and history are synonymous with integrity, excellence and leadership development. Being an apprentice means exemplifying the values upheld by the school for more than 96 years. Being an apprentice means ‘walking the walk,’ becoming proficient in a craft and excelling academically. Being an apprentice means being the best shipbuilder, leader and person possible. Jeremiah Saffell Sheet Metal Worker Apprentice
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The can-do attitude passed down by each generation of shipbuilders is alive and well at The Apprentice School. Alumni work in all areas of the shipyard, in roles from mechanics to vice presidents, and there is no task they consider impossible. Building nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines for the world’s greatest navy is possible because the shipbuilders of Newport News Shipbuilding do not quit. Stan Best Supervising Academic Instructor Class of 1988
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CRAFTSMAN
NSHIP
Sheet Metal Worker Craft Instructor Jim Ledoyen and his crew, including Sheet Metal Worker Apprentice Tia Brothers (foreground), delivered an important module for the Virginia-class submarine Indiana (SSN 789) on time, with no injuries. Apprentice School graduates and Sheet Metal Workers Karla Hamrick and Adam Bessinger and Frontline FAST Sheet Metal Worker Apprentices Nick Hillard and Jozua Garcia performed installation and finish work efficiently while coordinating well with other trades. Hillard and Garcia also served as make-up foremen on the job, giving them valuable leadership experience. 13
Rigger Apprentices Derek Shaffer (left), Kenneth Hogge (center), Aaron Bright, Tyrell Watkins and Robert Shields completed the manufacturing of the largest individual life net for the Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) under the supervision of Rigger Craft Instructor Jarrod Burke (right) and Mechanics James Jones and Curtis Butler. The life net is the first of its kind to be designed and manufactured as one piece rather than three.
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Welder Apprentices Sean Turner (right) and Carlicea Mitchell, along with Welders Justin Hogge and Zane Brumbaugh, completed an important weld in record time with guidance from Welder Craft Instructor Kendall Ridenour. They were extremely innovative in their procedures, averaging 10 days between each weld portion, to complete the job nearly 800 hours under budget.
At the request of Newport News Shipbuilding’s Augmented Reality Team, a cross-functional team of apprentices built a mockup of a carrier compartment for use during a U.S. Navy technology conference in Orlando, Florida. Shipfitter Apprentices Tyler Bacon, Danny Orange and Larry Turner; Welder Apprentices Joel Balyeat and Mark Stoner; Patternmaker Apprentices Bryan Cullen and CJ Richards; and Molder Apprentice Christian Burton contributed to the project. The steel and wood mockup was designed to be quickly dismantled and reassembled for shipping purposes. The team completed the project within strict time constraints, without rework, under the leadership of Shipfitter Craft Instructor Jeff Bilodeau, Welder Craft Instructor Jacob Johnston and Patternmaker Craft Instructor Tim Owens.
Pipefitter Apprentice Todd Johnson and Frontline FAST Coatings Specialist Apprentice Bria Hill completed an ergonomics rotation in the Environmental, Health, and Safety department. Upon completion of the rotation, they briefed trade directors about their work videotaping new processes and logging them in a database developed by North Carolina State University and discussed new styles of personal protection equipment based on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s recommendations. 15
CRAFTSMA One of the most important things in life is to never give up on achieving our goals. We live in a world where everything is still possible, where dreams do come true for those who work hard and do their best no matter what. The legacy I am hoping to write as a shipbuilder is one where personal development is unlimited, empowerment is a team effort and challenges become success stories. Anca Crow Frontline FAST Welder Apprentice
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NSHIP
Advanced Shipyard Operations Curriculum Maintenance Electrician Apprentice Kevin Scott (pictured) documented the Yard Monitoring System (YMS) process for testing software patches. The YMS monitors shipyard systems such as ventilation, steam and compressed gases. Maintenance Electrician Craft Instructor Kevin Bond commended Scott for his efforts, stressing that capturing this process promotes system reliability with thorough and consistent testing. 17
Frontline FAST Sheet Metal Worker Apprentice Christopher Miller used Microsoft Visio to create straightforward maps of processes used in the Sheet Metal Shop’s Apprentice Gallery. These maps outline practices such as check-in, sending jobs to paint and final shipment. Miller’s prior experience in a Manufacturing Engineering and Planning quality rotation introduced him to the idea of developing maps to use as training aids.
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Pipefitter Craft Instructor Shaun Starcher (center) applauded recent graduate Pipefitter Tyler Dorsey (left), Marine Designer Apprentice Lewis Rich and Mechanic Rob Meis (right) for their contributions to the success of the aft trim tank of the Virginiaclass submarine Indiana (SSN 789). The team provided several innovative process improvement suggestions to reduce travel time and allow for easier movement of piping.
USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Refueling and Complex Overhaul Construction Supervisor Robbie Elmore recognized Outside Machinist Craft Instructor Josh Baker (center) and his crew for their teamwork and professionalism performing hydrostatic tests, which are strength and tightness tests of systems or components using fluids. This task required coordination among all three shifts and innovative thinking when faced with obstacles. The crew included Outside Machinist Apprentices Todd Ashley (left), Evan Danz (right), Seth Cole, Kenneth Hayes II, Tina Huynh, Michael Scott, Zachary Vandegrift and Jordan Wallmeyer and recent graduate Outside Machinist Johnny Keller.
Under the instruction of Pipefitter Craft Instructors Rob Teel (front row, center) and Eddie Hogge, the Apprentice Area of the Detail Pipe Shop exemplified Newport News Shipbuilding’s culture of safety with 419 consecutive accident-free weeks through 2015. Apprentices in the Detail Pipe Shop (pictured) led the shop in safety initiatives for the year with 11 projects. Initiatives are intended to promote a culture of safety and reduce workplace injuries in specific areas of the shop.
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Frontline FAST Inside Machinist Apprentice Chris Pommnitz machined two horizontal foundation mounting units for the catapults on Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). This precision machining job required Pommnitz to work within extremely tight tolerances to achieve the desired flatness of the foundations. The horizontal machining of this job can prove especially challenging, and Pommnitz completed the job well within the drawing specifications.
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Marine Designer Apprentice Jacques Ward successfully modeled a drain funnel in AutoCAD Inventor for 3-D printing. The printed model can be taken to the ship to verify correct fit up before fabrication, eliminating rework and its associated costs. Before beginning the marine designer Optional Advanced Program, Ward was a pipefitter apprentice. When Ward participated in ship checks for the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) and USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), he utilized his pipefitting experience to evaluate the use of similar replacements for several large valves.
Educating shipfitter apprentices and developing their sense of integrity, commitment and teamwork is the legacy I am writing. Holding apprentices accountable for their actions and teaching them fundamentals for shipbuilding and life helps them be a productive part of the shipyard and the greater community. The opportunity to mentor new apprentices and see them grow into future leaders of this organization is incredibly rewarding. Jeff Bilodeau Shipfitter Craft Instructor Class of 2009
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Electrician Craft Instructor Carmelo Collazo Roman (center) and crew, including Electrician Apprentices Glenn Skinner Jr. and Eric Bevis (left and right), completed their work on an Auxiliary Machine Room module for the Virginia-class Submarine Program. By using sound teamwork techniques, effective communication within the crew and with other trades and a commitment to first-time quality, the crew reduced man hours by nearly 25 percent when compared with the most recent module with a similar scope of work.
CRA
Molder Shanae Hilliard became the first female and 113th apprentice to complete the molder apprenticeship. The molder apprenticeship was first offered in 1902 and exposes apprentices to all aspects of foundry operations required to produce a finished casting from raw materials. During the four-year program, Hilliard completed rotations in nine areas of the Foundry and a special rotation in the Pattern Shop. Newport News Shipbuilding’s foundry is one of just a few in the country capable of pouring a large variety of ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
Cost Estimator Apprentices Andrew Polk and Sarah Watts (left to right) and Kelsey Wirtes (not pictured) were members of the Newport News Shipbuilding cost estimating team that developed the contract proposal for modernization of the USS Columbus (SSN 762). Ultimately, the U.S. Navy awarded NNS a $57.8 million contract to plan the maintenance and upgrade of the Los Angelesclass submarine’s hull and systems.
AFTSMANSHIP 23
SCHOLARS 24
Rigger Craft Instructors Karon Bazemore (second from left) and Mark Loewus (not pictured) piloted the mooring and ventilation trade theory course. The course is completed by rigger apprentices, with Loewus delivering the mooring portion of the course and Bazemore delivering the ventilation portion of the course. Bazemore, Loewus and Rigger Craft Instructor Corey Berger (not pictured) served as subject matter experts during the Training Services department’s development of the course.
Andrew Kunk, recent graduate and welder, received the Charles D. Houdashell Sr. Memorial Scholarship for the second year in a row. The scholarship is awarded in memory of Houdashell, former superintendent of the Fabrication department and Apprentice School alumnus, to an alumnus attending Christopher Newport University. Kunk is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Additionally, Kunk and recent graduate Non-destructive Test Inspector Gary Garner (not pictured) were recipients of BayPort Credit Union’s Wiatt Memorial Scholarship, awarded to alumni who pursue higher education beyond their apprenticeship. Garner is currently pursuing a master’s degree in architecture from Hampton University.
SHIP 25
Rigger Craft Instructor Jarrod Burke (right) received the Frank F. Satchell Jr. Outstanding Faculty Award and had the honor of bearing The Apprentice School’s mace during the Class of 2014’s commencement exercises. Newport News Shipbuilding Vice President, Quality and Process Excellence, Ron Murray (left) presented Burke with the award during the ceremony.
Commencement speaker Retired Admiral John C. Harvey Jr., Virginia’s secretary of veterans and defense affairs, delivered the commencement address to the Class of 2014. During his address, he encouraged graduates to always remember the faith sailors place in graduates’ commitments to integrity and first time quality as they continue their shipbuilding careers.
SCHO 26
Millwright Stuart Brauer received the Homer L. Ferguson Award and delivered a speech to the Class of 2014. The award is given to the graduate with the highest combined grade point average in required academic coursework and craft training. Before beginning his apprenticeship, Brauer earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from James Madison University.
Metrology Technician Sara Ruggles (center) was formally recognized as the 10,000th graduate of The Apprentice School during commencement exercises by Director, Education, Everett Jordan, Newport News Shipbuilding President Matt Mulherin (left) and NNS Vice President, Trades Operations, Ray Bagley (right). Ruggles, who began her shipbuilding career as a pipefitter apprentice, also completed an associate degree in mechanical engineering technology at Thomas Nelson Community College through The Apprentice School’s dimensional control Optional Advanced Program.
LARS 27
Advanced Programs Craft Instructor Rick Burgos (far right) accompanied two teams from The Apprentice School’s Engineering and Robotics Club to the American Society for Engineering Education Model Design Competition in Seattle, Washington, from June 13 to 18. Team members were Modeling & Simulation Apprentices Brad Joslin and Jacob Wirtes, Inside Machinist Apprentice Tim Mills and Electrician Apprentice Evan Throckmorton (left to right) and Modeling and Simulation Apprentice Josh Dean (not pictured). The school’s teams placed seventh and eighth in a field of 15 competitors.
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PC Applications Trainer Chris Brown and Maintenance Electrician Craft Instructor Kevin Bond (left to right) mentored Phoebus High School’s Robotics Club to a finalist spot in the 2015 FIRST Robotics Challenge. The team, also known as the Phantom Mentalists, ranked high in a field of 64 teams and ultimately received awards sponsored by General Motors and Delphi for industrial design and engineering excellence.
SCHOLA
On the first day of my apprenticeship, my craft instructor said, ‘Mark, make sure you always do the right thing.’ I quickly learned that my fellow employees appreciated me when I gave them my best effort. As long as I was giving my best effort, it did not matter who was watching me work. As a craft instructor, I strive to share my shipbuilding experiences with current apprentices so they can learn from my past and pass on the knowledge to the next generation. Mark Loewus Rigger Craft Instructor Class of 2001
RSHIP
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The Apprentice School Student Section of The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers hosted the 8th Annual Boat Design Competition Race Day at The Mariners’ Museum. Pictured with SNAME advisor and Academic Instructor Jennifer Ryan (far left) is the competition winner Team Yachta Yachta from Jamestown High School. Team Your Worst Anemone and Team Turtle Destruction from Jamestown High School placed second and third, respectively, and Crabber Seafarer from Hampton High School placed fourth. The competition promotes awareness of naval architecture and shipbuilding careers and science, technology, engineering and math concepts.
S CHO Lead Craft Instructor Tim Gardner was appointed treasurer of the Virginia Apprenticeship Alumni Association. Gardner was elected during the VAAA’s annual board of directors meeting. The VAAA is committed to promoting and increasing apprenticeship programs throughout Virginia.
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OLAR SH IP Nuclear Test Technician Apprentice Jonathan Tugman completed all required training, obtained necessary sign-offs and passed interviews to become the first NTT apprentice to qualify as a test director for a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Refueling and Complex Overhaul. With the reorganization of testing during the overhaul of the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), Tugman was the first apprentice selected for a rotation in the electrical section of the company’s Nuclear Propulsion Test Engineering department. Before beginning the rotation, he was named CVN 72 Test Engineer of the Quarter.
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The Electrical department published the inaugural issue of its newsletter The “Volt.” The issue includes information about the February 2015 Occupational Safety and Health Administration Voluntary Protection Program site visit. Electrician Apprentice Jermaine Gaines serves as one of the newsletter’s editors. Electrician DeVeughan Hendrickson formatted the issue.
Academic Instructor Jennifer Ryan served as the arrangements chair for The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers 14th Annual Propeller/Shafting Symposium. Ryan coordinated facilities and catering for the triennial event held in Norfolk, Virginia. Ninety-one attendees, representing eight countries and 50 organizations, participated in the symposium. The 14 papers presented covered topics ranging from hydrodynamic loading on propulsors to Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants for stern tube bearings.
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I am passionate about my work as a craft instructor and committed to my apprentices’ development. Part of my job is to help apprentices be successful by giving them opportunities to grow and regularly challenging them. Also, I expose them to the business aspects of shipbuilding, showing them that each job they touch has a significant impact on our company’s success and our customer’s satisfaction. Vernon Eason Welder Craft Instructor Class of 2011
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The legacy inherited from past apprentices is a hardworking legacy, and it absolutely shapes the experiences of current apprentices. We strive to keep the legacy alive, especially when it comes to meeting customer demands and expectations. Alumni always remember their roots as apprentices, and they draw on the network built during their apprenticeship to creatively and innovatively solve problems. As current apprentices, we work to do the same to continue the legacy. Brittany McBride Marine Designer Apprentice
The Apprentice School hosted a September pre-work breakfast social for marine engineer apprentices in the Professional Development Program. Director, Central Engineering, and Chief Engineer Charles Southall (right) spoke to the group about feedback received from the engineering and waterfront management team and discussed the PDP’s origins and expectations. Marine engineer apprentices networked with directors and engineering managers during the event.
All patternmaker apprentices, including Janelle Wilson, are completing advanced modeling training with Inventor and computer numerical control operations with GibbsCAM in the new Pattern Shop computer lab. To fulfill requirements of the Pattern Shop’s latest procedures, patternmakers will model all their future pattern work in Inventor. This will drastically improve first time quality, eliminate excessive rework and provide timely collaboration between Foundry engineering and aircraft carrier/submarine engineering to approve pattern design.
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Outside Machinist Craft Instructor Alan Riley served as the outside machinist foreman during sea trials for the Virginia-class submarine John Warner (SSN 785). Riley and his apprentice crew were responsible for the submarine’s engine room propulsion systems. During sea trials, the submarine’s systems are tested to ensure maximum operational capability. The sea trials were successful, and SSN 785 was delivered to the U. S. Navy more than two months ahead of schedule.
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LEA
For more than 96 years, the legacy of Apprentice School leaders, staff and alumni has been a constant reminder of former President Homer L. Ferguson’s vision to attract, build and position the best shipbuilding talent at Newport News Shipbuilding. All apprentices have inherited this legacy, and faculty, staff and apprentices continue to achieve this vision by adapting and striving to meet the growing demands of the shipbuilding industry. Marcie Bombelyn Talent Acquisition Representative
DERSHIP 37
L The men’s basketball team rallied in the second half to defeat defending national champion Washington Adventist University, 74-71, on Senior Day. In a contest that honored six seniors, Outside Machinist Apprentice Jay Melendez led the Builders in scoring with 20 points, including two free throws with 10 seconds remaining. The team finished the season by winning 10 of its last 12 games.
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The golf team enjoyed a successful season highlighted by a victory in the three-team Mid-Atlantic Christian University tournament in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Outside Machinist Apprentice Tim Moore earned his first medalist honor with a round of 77, while the team’s overall score of 314 was its second lowest of the fall season.
In completing one of its most successful seasons ever, the Builders hosted and won the 2015 United States Collegiate Athletic Association Small College World Series in thrilling fashion by winning three games on the final day of the tournament. Earlier in the season, Head Coach Bryan Cave managed his 600th career victory when the team defeated Virginia Wesleyan College in extra innings.
E A DERSHIP After winning 19 matches the previous season, the wrestling team, including Pipefitter Apprentice Landon Leithauser (right), set a school record by compiling 22 victories in dual matches, including a 10-match win streak. The team’s regular season success continued when it placed seventh at the National Collegiate Wrestling Association National Championships in Allen, Texas.
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The Apprentice School celebrated the 20th anniversary of its women’s basketball program in grand style. The team hosted 18th-ranked Christopher Newport University in a game played in the Apprentice Athletic Center. A halftime ceremony highlighted the history of the program while a post-game banquet honored current and former players.
The football team’s season was highlighted by a 36-35 homecoming victory over Fork Union Military Academy. After throwing for three touchdowns earlier in the game, Builder quarterback Electrician Apprentice Brenden O’Neil ran four yards for the winning touchdown in the final 10 minutes of the game to secure the win.
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Eight shipbuilders affiliated with The Apprentice School received Model of Excellence awards for extraordinary efforts and contributions exemplifying Newport News Shipbuilding’s core values. Welder Craft Instructor Vernon Eason (front row, far left) and Welder Apprentice Jeffrey Watson and Travis Turbin (back row, far left and second from left, respectively) received an MOE award for their contributions as part of the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Catapult Repair Team. College/University Program Liaison Todd Estes (front row, second from left) received an MOE award for leading effective curriculum change at The Apprentice School. Electrician Travis Quidera, Electrician Craft Instructor Paul Newton and Electrician Apprentice Jonathan Whelan (front row, third from right to far right) and recent graduates Electricians Tim Gault, and Nick Sarcone (back row, second from right and far right, respectively) received an MOE award for their work to support Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) EMALS electrical build improvements. 41
Apprentices in the Sheet Metal Apprentice Gallery, working under the direction of Sheet Metal Worker Craft Instructor Steve Norman (back row, far left), achieved 1,320 injury-free calendar days. All new sheet metal worker apprentices, many of whom have never worked in an industrial setting, complete their first rotation in the gallery. Pride in working safely is instilled in apprentices from the beginning of their apprenticeship. Key to the stellar safety record are stretching at the beginning of each shift, daily discussions about safety and the gallery’s engaging atmosphere.
Rigger Apprentice John Krijgsman completed a special rotation in the Structural Fabrication and Assembly Virginia-Class Submarine Production Control Area. During the rotation, Krijgsman worked to ensure timely delivery of material by the Logistics department and assisted foremen with the issuing and closure of outfitting work packages. The rotation was an opportunity for Krijgsman to work closely with hourly tradesmen, foremen and construction supervisors.
L E A D E R 42
USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) Program Director Bruce Easterson awarded Marine Engineer Apprentice Brandon Weiler (pictured) a Director’s Coin for his exceptional performance during a four-month construction supervisor rotation in the CVN 72 Work Integration group. Additionally, CVN 72 RCOH Construction Superintendent Dave White recognized Weiler for his leadership in meetings, success selling completed compartments and work with various customers.
R S H I P
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Apprentice School alumni have the foundation to continue their growth and reach pretty much any goal. Expectations have changed over the years, but the school and our alumni always adapt to achieve current customer needs. The legacy inherited from past apprentices challenges us to continue to provide quality individuals within all areas of our company to make critical decisions on a daily basis, influence the direction of our company and shape the reputation of our brand. Jimmy Jessup Lead Craft Instructor Class of 1999
LE A DE 44
Frontline FAST Welder Apprentice Walker Hill (top photo) completed a make-up foreman rotation in Welding School, and Frontline FAST Coatings Specialist Apprentice Mark Costantini, pictured with Coatings Specialist Deandre Askew, (bottom photo) served as long-term make-up foreman on aircraft carrier overhaul. The make-up foreman rotation fulfills the Frontline FAST completion requirement to directly manage a production crew for a preferred 160 hours of make-up time, a portion of which must be a minimum of one 40-hour block as a make-up foreman.
E R
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Welder Apprentice Jeffrey Watson (left) and Pipefitter Apprentice Taron Smith (right), pictured with outside machinist graduate and Construction Supervisor Sherri Christensen (center), completed a construction supervisor special rotation on the USS Enterprise (CVN 65). One of their major tasks was coordinating work among trades to seal holes in the bottom of the ship from sea chests and overboard discharge systems as part of the aircraft carrier’s inactivation.
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Supervising Academic Instructor Garry Carter (pictured) hosted Boy Scouts from Troop 200 as the troop delivered leadership development training to all members newly elected to leadership positions. Chartered in 1982, the troop is a part of the Chesapeake Bay District of the Colonial Virginia Council. Eagle Scout Ethan Sargent, a sheet metal worker graduate, facilitated a session about how he applied skills acquired through scouting to his apprenticeship.
I describe the legacy of past apprentices as one of focus, commitment and unwavering passion for shipbuilding. To be an apprentice requires a steadfast commitment to excellence, quality, safety and hard work. This legacy shapes our current experiences because it sets a high bar for expectations. It forces us to not accept the status quo and to continually strive to earn the recognition of being one of the most prominent apprenticeship programs in the world. Keisha Pexton Manager, Strategic Projects, and Athletic Director Class of 2003
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Our basketball team’s motto is ‘hard work every day.’ This motto can be applied to the work we perform in production just as well as it can be applied to our work in practice and during games. When people see the word apprentice on our hard hats, they expect a high standard of performance and integrity. In our ‘hard work every day,’ apprentices are writing a legacy when we lead by example, stay true to our values and model a commitment to integrity. Jessica Neighbors Molder Apprentice and Women’s Basketball Player
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LE
A fifth cohort completed The Apprentice School Leadership Experience at The College of William & Mary. Twenty-five Advanced Shipyard Operations Curriculum apprentices were selected for the intensive professional development opportunity. In addition to being ASOC apprentices, many attendees were also participants in The Apprentice School’s Frontline FAST leadership development program. Huntington Ingalls Industries President and CEO Mike Petters (front row, third from left) began the weeklong event by sharing his leadership experience with the cohort and fielding their questions about leadership. Newport News Shipbuilding Vice President, Trades Operations, Ray Bagley (front row, second from right) participated in the event for the first time by hosting an interactive discussion with the cohort during the final day of the event.
AD ERSH IP Outside Machinist Craft Instructor Billy Callis (background) completed a successful Gallup Action Planning meeting with his crew of outside machinist apprentices. Gallup Action Planning meetings are conducted to increase employee engagement through meaningful discussions and goal setting. Mark Dudley (not pictured), an organizational development representative with the company’s Leadership Development department, remarked that the session is among the most successful and productive he has facilitated. 49
The Apprentice School Jaycees and the Doris Miller Community Center partnered for a three-part job skills workshop in July. Electrician Apprentices Aleshia Jackson (front row, far left); Electrician Apprentice Glenn Skinner Jr., Dimensional Control Technician Apprentice Phillip Riddick, Electrician Elisha Davis, recent graduate Coatings Specialist LaShonda Pearson and Electrician Craft Instructor and Jaycees Advisor Linda McMillian (back row, left to right); and Frontline FAST Electrician Apprentice Chelsee Mooring (front row, far right) supported the event. The first two sessions focused on interviewing and resume building. During the third session, Apprentice Jaycees conducted mock interviews and provided feedback to each interviewee.
LEADER
The Apprentice School experience is built upon the foundation of craftsmanship, scholarship and leadership. Apprentices must develop the ability to see and understand a wide variety of jobs. This is acquired through the academic and trade theory courses as well as the practical experience necessary to become leaders at Newport News Shipbuilding. When apprentices complete our program, they are prepared to relay the knowledge and experience gained to others to assist with the full circle of growth. Melissa Wheeler Dimensional Control Craft Instructor Class of 2007
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Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Council on Occupational Education www.council.org
The Apprentice School 4101 Washington Avenue Newport News, VA 23607 www.as.edu www.gobuilders.com