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Contributors: Tim Gardner; Jim Heath; Will Prescott; April Shockley, editor; and Vince Warren Graphic designer: LaMar Smith Photographers: Chris Oxley; Ricky Thompson; and John Whalen

The ApprenTice School 2011-12 AnnuAl reporTcrAfTSmAnShip ScholArShip leAderShip

leAderShip meSSAgeS

direcTor’S meSSAge

The ApprenTice School – AT-A-glAnce

crAfT TrAining

AcAdemicS

AdmiSSionS, AThleTicS And STudenT ServiceS

Alumni

looking To The fuTure

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Table of ConTenTs

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“The development of our workforce at Huntington Ingalls Industries is a top priority for me and for the entire leadership team. At HII, we are both a high-tech and high-touch business and having a skilled and trained workforce is a critical component of our ability to succeed. The Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School is a recognized ‘best practice’ in the workforce development arena and has more than 90 years of demonstrated excellence in not only developing skilled shipbuilders but also in cultivating leadership and commitment in every apprentice. HII benefits immensely from these efforts.”  mike pettersPresident and CEOHuntington Ingalls Industries

“Shipbuilding is a very specialized craft that demands an extensive training process. More than 90 years ago, we developed an integrated apprentice program, blending classroom education and on-the-job training. The Apprentice School has forged thousands of careers since. Not only has it produced talented shipbuilders, it has also become the foundation for producing leaders. Today, we are designing, building and maintaining the most sophisticated and most formidable ships the world has ever seen. The projects are large and complex, and take many years to complete. Developing and training a skilled workforce is critical to our business, and The Apprentice School is key to its success. Yet no matter what our best is today, we will always strive to do better tomorrow. Our new state-of-the-art Apprentice School will do just that – allowing us to continue our proud tradition of developing craftsmanship, scholarship and leadership while creating an even brighter future.” matt mulherinPresidentNewport News Shipbuilding

“The educational experience offered by The Apprentice School is different than the ‘traditional’ routes. We create events and opportunities that shape how our apprentices think, how they solve problems and how they respond to emerging technologies, customer demands and obstacles. We rapidly shape their experiences, perspective and intuition as shipbuilders. And, we develop a sense of focus, urgency and speed in what they do. Parents often tell me how quickly we matured their son or daughter. In reality, apprentices mature themselves as they learn to contribute, and lead, in a highly competitive and challenging environment.”  danny hunleyVice President, OperationsNewport News ShipbuildingClass of 1977

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leadership Messages

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The Apprentice School celebrated its 93rd anniversary in 2012 and continued its commitment to craftsmanship,

scholarship and leadership by exploring new and exciting programs, unleashing the potential of each student and

addressing changing business demands across our company. We offered 19 shipbuilding disciplines and seven

advanced programs of study and challenged apprentices to learn and master the art of shipbuilding through

rigorous academics, on-the job instruction and trade related theory education. Our graduates are well positioned

to attain highly successful careers at Newport News Shipbuilding, the country’s finest nuclear shipyard.

The new beginnings and milestones of 2012 are a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our faculty

and staff. Their focus on “raising the bar” has led to numerous enhancements throughout the year, including

a unique supervisor development program called FrontlineFAST, curricula and course delivery revisions, a new

honors program and improved admissions standards. Legislators and shipyard leadership broke ground for our

state-of-the-art educational campus to be occupied in late 2013. During a July 31 ceremony in Washington, D.C.,

Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship recognized the

school as a 21st Century Registered Apprenticeship Trailblazer and Innovator.

Throughout the year apprentices contributed to significant milestones in the construction and overhaul of the

world’s most technologically advanced naval vessels. Our student-athletes approached competition with the

same commitment to excellence as they do shipbuilding, which led to some of their most successful seasons

to date, winning 64 percent of their contests. Rounding out the year’s accomplishments were the contributions

of The Apprentice School Students’ Association. Their activities and professional societies provided members an

opportunity to develop their leadership skills while giving back to our community.

As an alumnus and the school’s eighth director, I am extremely proud of the accomplishments of the school’s

faculty, staff and student body. When you read about the latest year in the life of The Apprentice School, look

forward, as I do, to their valuable contributions to production and the exciting milestones and opportunities to be

experienced during 2013. Enjoy learning about the school’s proud past while focusing on its bright future!

 

everett h. Jordan Jr.

Director, Education

The Apprentice School

Class of 1977

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direCTor’s Message

overview And viSion for The fuTure

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leAderShipApprentices become leaders in the classroom and on the

waterfront through the development of The Apprentice School’s

nine leadership principles:

Integrity

Commitment

Improvement

Respect

Teamwork

Empowerment

Communication

Planning

Decision Making

Graduates of The Apprentice School are well prepared to

continue Newport News Shipbuilding’s long tradition of building

the most complex and powerful naval vessels in the world.

our miSSionThe 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. The school seeks to provide the company with

a continuous supply of journeypersons who possess the skills,

knowledge and pride of workmanship which have traditionally

distinguished shipbuilding craftsmen. The school is determined to

develop core leadership principles in all students along with the

character and technical competence required to fully meet the

challenges of a shipbuilding career.

The Apprentice School—founded in 1919 at

Newport News Shipbuilding—is the preeminent

apprenticeship program in the nation and offers

four- and five-year apprenticeships in 19 shipbuilding

disciplines and seven advanced programs of

study. Accredited by the Council on Occupational

Education and registered with the Virginia

Apprenticeship Council, the school offers apprentices

the opportunity to earn college credit, receive

competitive pay and benefits and learn a trade. The

school holds a commitment to fostering apprentices’

development of craftsmanship, scholarship and

leadership:

crAfTSmAnShipApprentices spend a minimum of 7,000 hours

learning their chosen shipbuilding trade and play

an integral role in the construction, maintenance

and overhaul of the U.S. Navy’s nuclear-powered

submarines and aircraft carriers.

ScholArShipApprentices build a strong academic foundation

during their completion of the World Class

Shipbuilder Curriculum, completing courses in

subjects ranging from physics to communications

that complement trade theory courses and on-the-job

training.

The ApprenTice School

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Since 1919, The Apprentice School has contributed significantly to Newport News Shipbuilding’s success and legacy

of “Always Good Ships.” An unwavering commitment to the company’s core values provides a solid foundation that

supports the mission and philosophy of The Apprentice School.

inTegriTYIntegrity 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.

honeSTYWe are committed to being honest and fair with our customers, our employees, our stakeholders and each other. We

will be truthful, trustworthy and honorable in all aspects of our work.

engAgemenTEmployees 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.

reSponSiBiliTYWe 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 built into everything we do. We take pride in providing outstanding

customer service.

performAnceWe hold ourselves to a very high standard of performance. We are committed to improving our company 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.

A new day dawns on Newport News Shipbuilding, The

Apprentice School’s 550-acre learning lab.

aT-a-glanCe

our core vAlueS

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The school moved to Building 517,

a brick building opposite Newport

News Shipbuilding’s main

administration building, where

classes continued to meet until

the naval inspection force took

over the building in 1929.

Building 517 (c. 1926)

Building 30, a one-story wooden building, became The Apprentice School’s first instructional facility in

1919. The building originally housed a glass-bending shop and later a restaurant during World War I.

Building 30 (c. 1919)

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a proud pasT ...

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The Apprentice School

moved from Building 63 to

Building 14, the school’s

current facility, in 1943.

The building includes an

auditorium, drafting room,

classrooms and the school’s

administrative offices.

Building 14 (feBruArY 16, 1953)

Building 63 was constructed in

1891 and converted from stables

and a hayloft to instructional space

in 1929 before becoming the

school’s third facility.

Building 63 (c. 1933)

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Administrators, faculty, staff, apprentices and alumni

supported the May 3 groundbreaking ceremony for

The Apprentice School’s 85,000-square-foot facility. The

Apprentice School Students’ Association members served

as ushers. Ashley gilliam (front row, second from right),

marine design apprentice, led attendees in the Pledge of

Allegiance, and chris kelce (back row, second from right),

heating and airconditioning craft instructor, sang the national

anthem at the opening of the ceremony. Before shipyard

leadership and state and local leaders broke ground for

the new facility, kevin doyle (front row, far right), planning

apprentice and student government president, had the

honor of ringing The Apprentice School bell.

ApprenTice School communiTY plAYS role in ceremonY

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(left to right) danny hunley, vice president, Operations, Newport

News Shipbuilding; Newport News Mayor McKinley Price; U.S.

Rep. Bobby Scott; matt mulherin, president, Newport News

Shipbuilding; Gov. Bob McDonnell; mike petters, president and

CEO, Huntington Ingalls Industries; U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman; U.S.

Rep. Scott Rigell; and Lou Haddad, president and CEO, Armada

Hoffler Holding Co., break ground for the facility, which will be

occupied in late 2013.

neXT chApTer in School’S hiSTorY BeginS wiTh Turn of A Shovel

The new Apprentice School facility is the result of a public-

private partnership among the City of Newport News, the

Commonwealth of Virginia, Armada Hoffler Holding Co.

and Huntington Ingalls Industries. The partnership reflects

the shipyard’s commitment to community and education.

The development’s mix of workforce housing, retail space,

a parking garage and the school’s instructional spaces,

labs and learning resource center will continue to create

opportunities for the local community.

danny hunley (Class of 1977), vice president, Operations,

Newport News Shipbuilding welcomes members of the

Hampton Roads community to the ceremony marking the

beginning of the latest chapter in the school’s history.

fAciliTY BuilT Through pArTnerShip wiTh STATe And locAl enTiTieS

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Building pATrioTiSm Patriotism and pride are constants from one

generation of shipbuilders to the next. After the

World Trade Center and the Pentagon were attacked

the morning of September 11, 2001, Stan Best

(Class of 1988), academic instructor and manager,

training, found himself standing between the USS

Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and the USS Dwight D.

Eisenhower (CVN 69) when a passenger jet flew

overhead. Stan recalls, “At that moment I realized

what we were building and why. My hope is that

we keep doing a good job as shipbuilders, so no

one will ever again feel the way we did that dreadful

day. Stan’s son walter Best, a fourth generation

shipbuilder and electrician apprentice, expresses a

sentiment similar to his father’s, “Helping to build the

most impressive naval vessels in the world makes

me feel like I am helping secure our country and

our freedom. Being a shipbuilder brings feelings of

patriotism and pride over me and is empowering.”

Building TrAdiTion Third generation shipbuilder Tabitha Beverly, millwright apprentice, began her apprenticeship with advice from her father Rigger

Craft Instructor Jarrod Burke (Class of 1988), “My father told me to study hard, make good grades and stay on top of my jobs.

I have his utmost support, and he always wants me to do my best.” Burke envisions a bright future for his daughter, “All parents

wish for their children to be more successful. We will have to see what future my daughter makes for herself. She did tell me she

wants to take her craft instructor’s job when he retires, so I guess the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree.”

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Building eXperienceWhile a father and son have an

apprenticeship in common, there is no

guarantee their shipyard experiences will

be the same. Pipefitter Craft Instructor

wayne lucas (Class of 1981) chose The

Apprentice School “to learn a trade, play

baseball and earn a living.” Throughout

his apprenticeship, Wayne managed

school two partial days each week,

played baseball and worked in various

shops and on ships, an experience quite

different from that of his son Patternmaker

Apprentice kenneth lucas. Kenneth,

who attends school two full days per

week and works in the shipyard’s Pattern

Shop, says, “One difference between

my dad’s apprenticeship and mine is that

I will probably not have a rotation on a

carrier or submarine. The type of work I

do in the Pattern Shop is different. I doubt

my dad ever worked on a pattern for a 22

thousand-pound strut arm for a ship.

Building influenceAfter being encouraged to attend the school by his godfather,

Marine Design Craft Instructor Bruce white (Class of 1997)

suggested the school to his son Sheet Metal Apprentice

marcus white. “My godfather Bobby maxwell, who was a

general foreman at the shipyard, referred me to the school. He

believed the program was a stellar opportunity for a veteran

of the armed forces and held a bright future for the right

candidate,” reflects Bruce. Marcus was born during the first

year of his father’s apprenticeship and recognized the value of

the program as he watched his father complete school work,

participate in school functions and graduate with honors. When

Marcus began to plan his goals beyond high school, he was

encouraged by Bruce to consider the school, “My father played

a huge role in my decision to attend the school; he made it clear

that The Apprentice School was one of the best options.”

building a legaCY

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Manager’s Message

An Apprentice School education is marked by thorough training and a challenging, varied work experience in all

essential elements of a skilled trade. Eighty-five years ago the school introduced the role of the craft instructor—

unique among registered apprenticeship programs today—to help apprentices develop the core leadership

principles and craftsmanship necessary for a successful shipbuilding career. Sixty-eight craft instructors ensure

apprentices receive the training and the types of jobs they need to develop targeted skill sets, document the

skills development of apprentices and provide apprentices with regular and consistent evaluations.

Apprentices made considerable contributions to production while maintaining a focus on safety and first time

quality during 2012. The lower bow unit (680-ton) of the Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) was lifted in to place. Joining

the lower bow to the other ship units completed the length of the 1,092-foot aircraft carrier. Craft instructors

and apprentices contributed to improved performance with the installation of the steering and dive guide tubes

on Virginia-class submarines and contributed to completing work in record time on the John Warner (SSN 785)

submarine. Apprentices made significant contributions in the propulsion plant, deck machinery and combat

systems areas of the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). In 2011 we experienced our first graduate from the

molder apprenticeship program since 1994, and the program now boasts 16 apprentices. Also, the first two

graduates of the nuclear test technician apprenticeship program qualified as shift test engineers. Assigned to

aircraft carrier overhaul and submarine construction, they will be responsible for nuclear operations while the

vessels are at Newport News Shipbuilding.

During the coming year, craft training will continue to focus on safety, instructional delivery and supporting our

various product lines. We will implement FrontlineFAST, a comprehensive training program to produce a pool of

apprentice graduates with the desire, aptitude and skill set to be frontline supervisors. A series of broad program

reviews with the heads of all departments in which we offer apprenticeships will be conducted to document

and ensure our program objectives and content are current with the company’s manufacturing and construction

processes to best meet customer demands.  

dan Brookman

Manager, Craft Training

The Apprentice School

Class of 1976

overview And viSion for The fuTure

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Andrew daly, non-destructive testing

apprentice, created a course for inspectors

to promote first time quality in the

inspection and non-destructive testing

of Virginia-class submarines (VCS). Daly

spent several weeks developing the

course, which culminated in a successful

pilot. Chief Inspection Supervisor

patrick woodington said of the course,

“The presentation of the material was

captivating, and the whole class was

engaged.” The VCS program will experience

reduced costs and increased customer

satisfaction as a result of the course.

ApprenTice cApTivATeS And educATeS inSpecTorS

Marine Design Apprentices Angel Averett, Ashley ober,

Tobuic Scott and eric Tellefsen were selected for a

special rotation in Newport News Shipbuilding’s Concept

of Operations department. During the rotation they

focused on process improvements to reduce labor and

material costs for the construction of the John F. Kennedy,

the second Gerald R. Ford-class carrier. At the end of

the rotation, they presented proposals to use cutting

edge technology in the engineering and configuration of

compartment spaces.

Scott, Ober and Tellefsen (left to right) pose outside the

Herbert H. Bateman Virginia Advanced Shipbuilding and

Carrier Integration Center, where they completed their

special rotation.

ApprenTiceS deSign John F. Kennedy proceSS improvemenTS

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“When I heard what The Apprentice School offered, I knew that there was a unique opportunity

to be able to get an education, work and get paid to do both. I received an education, a career and

a paycheck all wrapped up in one, and I’m not left with debt from student loans. Graduates of the

school are known throughout shipyards nationally as symbols of what hard work, dedication and a

determination to get things done the right way represent. I am proud of my career and being able

to tell my friends and family that I build nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines for the

U.S. Navy. Newport News Shipbuilding offers a great program that will allow me to continue my

education even after finishing my apprenticeship. The Apprentice School gave me a really good

starting point to help me continue to advance in my career and education.”

david pagliughi, marine design Apprentice

Todd gular, a 2011 molder graduate, was promoted to foundry foreman shortly after his graduation from The Apprentice School.

Gular is the first graduate to be promoted in the foundry since the molder apprenticeship was restarted in 2008. Manager,

Product Training, ed dise states, “This promotion is a great testament to a lot of foresight, hard work and dedication of Gular,

Craft Instructor Steve robertson, the foundry and The Apprentice School’s management team. This team of shipbuilders was

instrumental in getting the molder apprenticeship up and running again after a long period of inactivity.”

CrafT Training

molder grAd’S cAreer heATS up

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Craft training continued its delivery of Phase II Recognize, Evaluate and

Control (REC) safety training. Pipefitter Craft Instructor Tim gardner reports

the training has been revised to include a tour of the USS Theodore Roosevelt

to gain experience in real situations using the REC methods and an end-

of-course writing assignment to support the school’s Writing Across the

Curriculum initiative. Both activities reinforce REC methods and the value of

understanding the hazards apprentices face on a daily basis.

hAzArd prevenTion BeginS in The clASSroom

Nuclear Test Technician Apprentice greg hoefflin

(center) received the Virginia Apprenticeship Council’s

(VAC) Outstanding Apprentice award from Virginia

Secretary of Trade and Commerce Jim Cheng (left)

and VAC Chairman Donald Kemp (right). Hoefflin was

nominated for his contributions to the USS Abraham

Lincoln mechanical test group by creating and

implementing a status board for the aircraft carrier’s

overhaul, allowing Nuclear Testing to develop a

process for tracking work associated with temporary

systems. He plans to become a shift test engineer

and pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. He

is the ninth Newport News Shipbuilding apprentice to

receive the award since its creation in 1998.

vAc recognizeS ApprenTice for ‘ouTSTAnding’ conTriBuTionS

“While I have been with the school for seven years—a relatively short period of time—far reaching

changes have occurred to better meet the needs of our internal and external customers. For

example, we have implemented a blended learning approach for our production planning course,

allowing apprentices to increase the amount of time they spend on the work site, exposing

them to a different method of course delivery and preparing them for continued study at two-

and four-year schools. Additionally, our optional advanced program offerings have responded to

technological developments in the shipbuilding industry with the creation of the modeling and

simulation program. Whether in the classroom or on the job, our apprentices gain invaluable

experiences with technology and its ability to enhance the work they produce.”

nicole Boney-Sharpe, Academic instructor

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Andrew hooper and ryan Sparks (above), shipfitter apprentices, received an Employee Recognition Program Award from

Joe Sabol, trade director, for their role in the installation of sway braces aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt. Hooper, Sparks

and a team of shipfitters custom fit each piece to result in a job with little or no gap. While working in close quarters, the team

maintained first time quality and completed the installation without damage to the new electrical cables and piping systems.

Cost Estimating Apprentice emily lamb learned of a model

developed for Supply Chain Procurement used to strategically

divide resources and workload among team members based

upon their job scope. Lamb recognized the applicability of the

model to Contracts and Pricing and delivered a proposal to

Director, Contracts and Pricing, eric wishon. Lamb proposed

that the department could use the same model to increase

engagement by assigning job tasks based upon employee

strengths and improving communication and teamwork within

groups.

CrafT Training

ShipfiTTer ApprenTiceS honored for cuSTom fiT QuAliTY

creATiviTY Applied To SupplY chAin procuremenT model increASeS engAgemenT

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dennis rossi (above) and Shamar marsh, maintenance electrician apprentices, completed the clean up and proper

labeling of equipment feeder locations in nearly half the time allotted for the job, taking only two and a half days instead

of four to run 100 feet of steel conduit through an overhead maze of piping. Their efforts promoted the company’s

commitment to safety by ensuring machines, equipment and systems were properly isolated from energy sources before

they were used.

“While I was a member services representative at BayPort Credit

Union, many of my high school friends would come to the credit union

for account services. While speaking with them, I noticed they were

very pleased with their lives. They told me about their apprenticeship

with The Apprentice School, including how they were being paid to

further their education and learning a useful trade skill to excel in a

rewarding career. I knew The Apprentice School was where I wanted

to be.”

Jessica welling, dimensional control Apprentice

Craft instructors were recognized at a Jan. 18

luncheon for their focus on safety and efforts

to create an accident-free work environment.

everett Jordan, director, education, hosted

the event and commended craft instructors for

reducing apprentices’ work-related injuries by

25 percent. Craft instructors and apprentices

experienced 15 weeks with one injury or fewer

and eight injury-free weeks during 2011.

work-relATed inJurY reducTion iS no AccidenT

elecTriciAnS plugged in To firST Time QuAliTY

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Machinist Apprentice dwayne

roes (center) received a “Machine

Shop On-The-Spot” recognition and

a special coin for his commitment

to quality and safety from

Superintendent, Machine Shop,

Joey perry (right) and Manager,

Quality, John w. parker Jr. (left).

While working on a submarine rod,

Roes identified a faint linear crack.

He stopped work and immediately

reported the crack to Machinist

Craft Instructor charlie Smith.

Shipfitter Apprentice Jonathan wilson completed a construction

supervisor special rotation aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt.

Wilson worked in the hull and tank area to establish and maintain

steam plant cleanliness conditions and successfully worked with

other trades and Supervisor of Shipbuilding inspectors to support

overhaul efforts for the aircraft carrier. Director, Carrier Overhaul,

dave fletcher said, “Wilson has been a great help to us on

the Hull and Tank Team on CVN 71. He has an excellent work

ethic and attitude. He was eager to take on whatever task was

assigned and always did it with a ‘can do’ attitude. He has been a

pleasure to work with and has a bright future with the company.”

CrafT Training

mAchiniST ApprenTice recognized ‘on-The SpoT’ for SAfeTY And QuAliTY

ApprenTice fiTS righT in wiTh hull And TAnk TeAm

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CrafT Training

“The most memorable aspect of my apprenticeship is being able to

participate in the ground breaking ceremony for the school’s new

facility. I am proud to be a part of The Apprentice School’s history.

Being an apprentice is a privilege, and it is an honor to be part of such

a great organization that is an opportunity to build craftsmanship,

scholarship and leadership and to promote my personal and

professional growth.”

Ashley wells, coatings Specialist Apprentice

Five apprentices received

commendations from the New

Carrier Construction Program for their

contributions to the completion of

three super lifts ahead of schedule

for delivery to the ship in dock.

Shipboard Electrician Apprentices

Josh day (left), Brian holub,

dan knoll, carmelo roman and

dan Tatum, with the direction of

Shipboard Electrician Craft Instructors

ken logan and paul newton (right),

served as lead mechanics and

supervised apprentice work crews

as they installed more than 800 wire

way hangers and 250 lights during a

four-day period. They completed the

job ahead of schedule and ensured

the lights were energized before the

units were delivered to the dock.

leAd mechAnic roTATion meAnS BrighT fuTure for elecTriciAnS

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“As an alumnus of The Apprentice School, former craft instructor and current

associate athletic director, it is an honor to be a part of this program. I have grown

as a person because of The Apprentice School. Being able to aid in the development

of apprentices allows me the chance to give back to this program. This past

summer, I had the opportunity to tour the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Walking

on the upper decks, I recalled my days down in the engine room and around the

reactors fitting the pipe that helps that great ship operate. Knowing this was my part

to help maintain our country’s defense is incredibly meaningful to me.”

mark Tomlin, Associate Athletic director (class of 1986)

Welder Apprentice Stephanie way received

an Employee Recognition Program Award

May 16 for her role in welding jobs for the

Virginia-class submarines. The award read,

“Ms. Way has played a major role in welding

some of the very tight jobs, i.e., welding the

weapons mid, the J-stiffeners and various

other tight jobs. Ms. Way is known for, and

takes pride in, the quality of her work. She

has a go-getter attitude and a fantastic work

ethic. On 668D, Ms. Way played a key role

in welding the weapons module and worked

with Non-destructive Testing to make it the

fastest weapons load to date.”

QuAliTY work helpS welder mAke connecTionS

Dimensional Control Craft Instructor melissa wheeler judged the semi-finals and

finals of the Virginia Ship Repair Association’s 6th Annual Ship Repair Industry

Awareness LEGO competition. Five teams of Hampton Roads sixth- through

eighth-graders competed in the April 26 finals to design a solution to a ship repair

problem using a LEGO modeling program and identify the trades instrumental to

implementing the solution. The design team from The Academy of International

Studies at Rosemont, in Norfolk, Va., took first place at the competition. The team

received a $500 cash award for their school, a LEGO kit to construct a 3-D model of

their design and tickets to Nauticus.

crAfT inSTrucTor lendS eXperTiSe To Judge lego compeTiTion

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2011-12 25 of 56

CrafT Training

Outside Machinist Craft Instructor Billy norton (front left) and Outside Machinist Apprentices lionel Bailey, chris downing (back

left), calvin holloway (back right), ricardo palacios and zachary waynick (front right) received Newport News Shipbuilding’s

Model of Excellence Award as members of two teams that challenged existing shipbuilding processes to increase safety, achieve

first time quality, reduce costs and meet schedule. Norton, Bailey, Downing and Holloway were members of the Gerald R. Ford

Fitted Fasteners Clearance Team that reduced the fitted fastener process for the aircraft carrier’s Main Propulsion Complex by

50 percent. Palacios and Waynick were members of the USS Albany (SSN 753) Sail Repairs Team that worked to redeliver the

submarine one day ahead of schedule, within budget and without accidents, injuries or quality issues, despite a significant

increase in work. Award winners were honored at a Sept. 19 banquet, where Vice President, Quality and Process Excellence, ron

murray presented the awards.

ouTSide mAchiniSTS Are modelS of eXcellence

Shipboard Electrician Craft Instructor mike Jones and his

apprentice crew were praised for their work on Combat

Systems by the USS Theodore Roosevelt Project Team.

Apprentices provided significant support for the project

during the past three years. Jones and his apprentice

crew successfully turned over all Combat Direction

Center Complex compartments with no recordable items,

enabling Supervisor of Shipbuilding and Test Engineering to

load software necessary for the aircraft carrier’s overhaul.

Additionally, Jones and his apprentice crew received an

Excellence In Action recognition for the project at a Nov. 6

luncheon.

elecTriciAn crAfT inSTrucTor energizeS crew To produce firST Time QuAliTY

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A team of outside machinist apprentices and Apprentice School alumni, including Outside Machinist Craft Instructor Josh

Baker (above) recently completed the spin tests of the main engines aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt. Testing of all four

main engines was completed with no major issues and enabled lost time from previous delays to be made up. USS Theodore

Roosevelt Refueling Complex and Overhaul Project Lead General Foreman Steve monfalcone said the successful tests are the

result of “the high quality standards and ownership instilled in their critical component teams.”

crAfT inSTrucTor leAdS ApprenTiceS in TeSTing of Roosevelt’s mAin engineS

Outside Machinist Craft Instructor daryl welch (right)

and Outside Machinist Apprentices miriam lopez and

Tim Anderson assisted veteran mechanics with the load

out of the first two Electro-magnetic Launch Systems

(EMALS) generators on the Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier,

the first time such a job was performed at Newport News

Shipbuilding.

ouTSide mAchiniSTS ASSiST in firST of iTS kind JoB

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2011-12 27 of 56

CrafT Training

Production Planning and Cost Estimating Craft Instructor david nicholas Jr.’s (left) family lore is filled with stories about working

at the shipyard. He is the fifth generation of the Nicholas family to graduate from The Apprentice School. The legacy began with

David Jr.’s great-great-grandfather Chief Engineer John nicholas Sr., who was the school’s 13th graduate and the first alumnus

with 50 years’ service to the company. David Jr.’s great-grandfather John nicholas Jr. and grandfather Jack nicholas inspired his

father david nicholas Sr. (right), sheet metal foreman and 1975 alumnus, to maintain the family tradition of service to country

through shipbuilding. “Being a fifth generation alumnus of the school significantly contributes to the level of pride I take in being

an American shipbuilder. It’s equivalent to a family business that’s been passed down from generation to generation. This is my

opportunity to learn the family business and ensure that it continues to grow and succeed until the next generation is prepared to

take it on,” says David Jr.

crAfT inSTrucTor conTinueS fAmilY TrAdiTion of ApprenTiceShip

“During my apprenticeship, I had the privilege to work with some excellent mechanics,

instructors and supervisors. I have tremendous respect for those who helped me

when I knew very little about mechanics or shipbuilding. Forty years later I still

remember the first names of almost all of them and the specific skill each one taught

me. The school is populated by some of the best, most well rounded instructors you

can find anywhere in the U.S., and the talented, dedicated and caring staff has a lot to

do with the high caliber of graduates we consistently produce.”

ed dise, manager, product Training (class of 1970)

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2011-12

All apprentices complete the challenging course work of the Trade Related Education Curriculum (TREC) and

the World Class Shipbuilder Curriculum (WCSC). The TREC complements the on-the-job training apprentices

receive during their craft rotations and equips them with a strong foundation in the theory of their chosen trade.

The mandatory WCSC includes courses in business, communications, drafting, mathematics, physics and ship

construction and prepares apprentices to work in their shipbuilding trades, continue their education in one of

the school’s advanced programs and pursue a two- or four-year degree through Newport News Shipbuilding’s

Education Assistance Program.

The past year was marked by the expansion of existing academic initiatives, the creation of new trade theory

courses and an increase in paths to two- and four-year degrees for apprentices. Our Writing Across the Curriculum

program expanded to include writing and critical thinking activities in trade theory and academic courses and craft

rotations. Thirteen apprentices attended the second annual Advanced Shipyard Operations Curriculum-College of

William & Mary Leadership Course. Trade theory courses in advanced blueprint reading and patternmaking were

piloted. The school augmented its existing partnerships with local colleges and universities through the offering

of an Associate of Applied Science in Technical Studies from Thomas Nelson Community College, leading to a

Bachelor of Science in Occupational and Technical Studies from Old Dominion University.

The academic program looks forward to two exciting opportunities in 2013. First, the academic program will move

in to its new facility, featuring instructional spaces, drafting labs, a physics lab and a learning resource center

equipped with the latest in instructional and distance learning technology. Office spaces for our community

college and university partners will also be included. Second, the school is creating a new professional

development program. The Apprentice School will partner with Old Dominion University in engineering and with

Saint Leo University in business administration/project management on this exciting initiative.

 

James h. hughes, ph.d.

Manager, Academics

The Apprentice School

overview And viSion for The fuTure

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Manager’s Message

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“The Apprentice School gave me an opportunity to work, play football

and receive a free education. Working in the engine room under

Outside Machinist Craft Instructor Josh Baker has been the most

memorable aspect of my apprenticeship. Baker has taught me a lot

on the job, helped me with school and football, and gave me tips on

life. Jobs nowadays are hard to get, even with a college degree. With

The Apprentice School, you are guaranteed a job and earn a college

degree. You can’t beat that!”

Tyshawn washington, outside machinist Apprentice and football player

Jennifer ryan, academic instructor, became a licensed Professional Engineer in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering

after passing the exam in hydrostatics, structural design and electrical machinery fundamentals. “Now that I’ve been teaching at

the school for six years and the exam covered a good portion of the material I teach, the time was right to get my license,” says

Ryan. She prepared for the exam by completing an online review course and working plenty of problems.

inSTrucTor reTurnS To School for pe licenSe

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2011-12 31 of 56

aCadeMiCs

The United States Department of Labor’s Office of

Apprenticeship recognized The Apprentice School

as a 21st Century Trailblazer and Innovator of

programs, practices, strategies and partnerships

that play a critical role in preparing the 21st century

workforce. Representatives of the school accepted

the recognition at the “Out-Educate, Out-Build,

Out-Innovate” national summit in Washington,

D.C. The summit was sponsored by the National

Registered Apprenticeship System and Secretary of

Labor Hilda L. Solis, and everett Jordan, director,

education, was a featured speaker.

School innovATeS iTS wAY To depArTmenT of lABor recogniTion

everett Jordan, director, education, signs an updated

continuing education agreement with Susan Paulson,

Saint Leo University’s assistant vice president for

Continuing Education. The June 15 agreement between

The Apprentice School and Saint Leo University helps

meet Newport News Shipbuilding’s program management

needs and supports alumni pursuing associate and

bachelor’s degrees in business administration with a

specialization in technology and project management.

SAinT leo univerSiTY AgreemenT ShoreS up conTinuing educATion

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2011-12 33 of 56

aCadeMiCs

“My career has been shaped tremendously by all the professionals I have

come in contact with at the school. I fell in love with the program as an

apprentice because of our academic and craft instructors. Because of

their effect on me, I had a strong desire to be a part of the team as a craft

instructor. As a Student Services administrator, I now have the opportunity

to listen and offer help to apprentices as they develop their career and

educational goals. Working directly with apprentices in this fashion is

wonderful and fulfilling.”

regina mclean, Student Services Administrator (class of 2006)

greg Bone (top) and Josh Tanner (bottom) are the first two graduates of the

school’s nuclear test technician advanced program, having passed their oral

boards to become Shift Test Engineers (STE) during 2012. Bone describes

how his desire to become an STE was inspired by Stan Best, manager,

training, and academic instructor. “The training and study requirements Best

described intimidated me, but he told me they would help me find out what

kind of leader I was capable of being. Those were the words that convinced

me to commit myself to achieving the distinction of being an STE.”

“An STE must be able to handle an intellectual and educational challenge;

accept responsibility on a large scale; and combine technical knowledge

with the ability to work with people,” says Tanner. “The Apprentice School

prepared me well.” Bone and Tanner were selected for the nuclear test

technician advanced program and worked as electrical test engineers and

mechanical test engineers before completing the nine-month STE School.

Attendance at the school is a full-time job filled with independent study

and instructor-led seminars about the operation and functionality of the

ship’s nuclear propulsion system. Their studies culminated in an eight-hour

written examination and a one-hour oral examination that required them to

successfully demonstrate their ability to direct a team testing the propulsion

plant.

five-YeAr ApprenTiceShip culminATeS in Two eXAmS for nucleAr TeST TechniciAnS

The Apprentice School and Newport News Shipbuilding’s Career Pathways Program co-sponsored the 2012

Peninsula K-Next Summer Camp. During the week-long summer camp hosted by Thomas Nelson Community

College, rising ninth- through 11th-graders learned about all aspects of advanced manufacturing as they

worked in teams to build three different clock models. A panel of engineering, technology and manufacturing

experts assessed teams on their

safety, teamwork and organization

and the quality and cleanliness of their

production processes.

cAmperS TAke Time To engineer clockS

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Thirteen Advanced Shipbuilding Operations Curriculum (ASOC) apprentices participated in the ASOC-College of William &

Mary Leadership Course. William & Mary faculty and staff conducted a series of leadership exercises designed to gauge

apprentices’ leadership styles, examine their values and explore teamwork, and Newport News Shipbuilding administrators

hosted a boat building competition, requiring apprentices to put their new perspective on leadership to the test. mike

petters, president and CEO, Huntington Ingalls Industries; matt mulherin, president, Newport News Shipbuilding; and

Jerome Thomas, director, programs, shared how they apply leadership principles daily. danny hunley, vice president,

Operations, Newport News Shipbuilding; and Larry Pulley, William & Mary dean and professor of business administration,

presented participants with a framed certificate of completion and commemorative photograph. The week-long learning

opportunity culminated in a brief to Hunley, who commended the participants for playing a role in realizing his dream of a

unique leadership experience for ASOC apprentices.

ApprenTiceS receive An hiSToricAl leAderShip perSpecTive

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2011-12

At the 26th Annual Black Engineer of the Year Award

STEM Global Conference, Alicia uzzle, ph.d.,

manager, training, and academic instructor, received a

2012 Black Engineer of the Year Award in the Modern

Day Technology Leader category. Nominated for her

effectiveness as an instructor of physics, mechanics

and engineering, Uzzle is a published researcher in

nuclear physics and a highly regarded educator in

postsecondary science, technology, engineering and

mathematics.

35 of 56

aCadeMiCs

“At age 45 I came to Newport News Shipbuilding to begin a second

career. My first supervisor recommended The Apprentice School,

and I am thankful for her advice. The school provided me with the

fundamentals of shipbuilding and a foundation that allowed me to

ultimately complete a graduate-level college degree. As an apprentice

graduate, I understand first-hand the balance that apprentices must

strike among family, work and study. As an instructor, I find joy in

helping apprentices attain their goals.”

Steve Stallings, Academic instructor (class of 2006)

The second annual Apprentice School Women in

Shipbuilding Luncheon was held Sept. 14. This year’s

special guest panel included Joanne Belote, director,

Program Planning and Scheduling; Jennifer dunn, director,

Communications; Alma martinez fallon, director, Supply

Chain Procurement; and deborah moore, director, Labor

Relations. The panelists shared their experiences and

insights in response to questions posed to them by women

affiliated with The Apprentice School.

keisha pexton, athletic director, poses a question to

panelists.

luncheon pAneliSTS inSpire ATTendeeS To Achieve

inSTrucTor nAmed modern dAY TechnologY leAder AT gloBAl conference

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Thomas Nelson Community college held its 44th annual commencement exercises at Hampton University Convocation Center.

Forty apprentice graduates earned associate degrees in business administration, engineering and engineering technology. Many

are currently taking advantage of Newport News Shipbuilding’s Education Assistance Program to complete bachelor’s degrees.

everett Jordan, director, education, hosted

52 members of the Class of 2012 at one of

the school’s ring luncheons. danny hunley,

vice president, Operations, was the featured

speaker at the event. Hunley challenged

attendees to take an active role in their

success and continue in their career and

personal development after graduation. During

the event apprentices received class rings

from the director of the department in which

they completed their apprenticeship.

robert chappell Sr., director, Waterfront

Support Services, presents dory fields,

rigger apprentice and member of the Class of

2012, with his class ring. They are joined by

Jordan.

forTY Alumni eArn degreeS from locAl communiTY college

ring luncheon mArkS end of ApprenTiceShip

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2011-12 37 of 56

aCadeMiCs

everett Jordan, director, education, hosted the

annual graduation awards luncheon. Recipients

of the Charles F. Bailey, Frank F. Satchell Jr.

Outstanding Faculty, G. Guy Via, James P. Healy

Community Service, Niels Christiansen and

William R. “Pat” Phillips awards were honored at

the luncheon. Jennifer Boykin, vice president,

Engineering and Design; peter diakun, vice

president, Energy Programs; and danny hunley,

vice president, Operations, attended the event.

Adam horak, outside machinist graduate,

receives the Homer L. Ferguson Award from

Hunley at the Class of 2011’s graduation

ceremony. The award is bestowed upon the

graduate with the highest combined shop grade

and required academic grade point average.

Academic Instructor and retired

U.S. Marine Corps Col. mark costa,

ph.d., receives the Frank F. Satchell

Jr. Outstanding Faculty award from

Vice President, Gerald R. Ford Carrier

Construction, rolf Bartschi during

the Feb. 24 graduation ceremony.

The award recipient is nominated

by the graduating class, and the

award is given in honor of frank f.

Satchell Jr., former faculty member,

school administrator and 37-year

shipbuilder.

clASS of 2011 nAmeS ouTSTAnding fAculTY memBer

ShipYArd leAderShip recognize AwArd winning grAduATeS

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2011-12

Admissions, Athletics and Student Services provide many apprentices with their initial interaction with The

Apprentice School and its staff, the beginning of a relationship sustained throughout their apprenticeship.

Student-athletes build leadership skills through training and competition. The department’s staff helps

apprentices plan a household budget, draft résumés, practice interviewing skills and establish career and

educational goals. Additionally, interviewing skills assistance offered through Student Services’ Graduate

Resource Center is available to alumni who wish to advance their shipbuilding careers.

During 2012 Admissions, Athletics and Student Services processed more than 5,500 applications and

interviewed more than 450 candidates for one of the school’s approximately 250 annual slots. The candidate

pool continues to grow and includes many applicants who hold two-year, four-year and master’s degrees.

Builder Athletics experienced another round of incredibly successful seasons, with our men’s and women’s

basketball teams earning U.S. Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) National Tournament bids and the

baseball team placing second at the USCAA Small College World Series. Student Services supported the

efforts of a variety of student organizations that donated many hours of service to their communities.

The next year will bring additional opportunities for apprentices to develop their leadership skills and plan

their professional and educational futures. Our staff will continue to meet the needs of an ever expanding

and diversifying applicant pool. Builder Athletics will strive to best their 2012 record of winning 64 percent of

contests. The third phase of Student Success Orientation, focusing on career advancement, will be piloted.

Workshops will be offered twice per year, and topics will include home ownership, financial planning and

interview and dining etiquette.

phil Janaro

Manager, Admissions, Athletics

and Student Services

The Apprentice School

overview And viSion for The fuTure

39 of 56

Manager’s Message

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Marine Designer Sandra wilkins, mother of

U.S. Army Specialist Louis Adams (second

from left), requested golf balls for overseas

troops to use during their leisure time, and

Builder Athletics stepped in to fulfill the

request. Adams presents a flag to everett

Jordan (second from right), director,

education, in appreciation of the school’s

donation of 9,000 golf balls to troops in

Kuwait. They are joined by Athletic Director

keisha pexton (far right) and Construction

Supervisor and Head Golf Coach Joey

maben (far left).

donATion A hole-in-one for AThleTic progrAm And overSeAS TroopS

marcus chevres (left), wrestler and outside

machinist apprentice, and isaih harrison

(right), basketball player and 2012 sheet

metal apprentice graduate, were honored by

the Peninsula Sports Club as The Apprentice

School Co-Athletes of the Year. Additionally,

Harrison was recognized as the Outstanding

In-State College Male Athlete of the Year,

the first time an apprentice has won the

award in 12 years. Chevres is a four-time

National Collegiate Wrestling Association All-

American and holds The Apprentice School

career record for wins, winning 134 of 171

matches. Harrison is a three-time USCAA

First Team All-American and set nine career

records and 12 single-season records during

his final season.

peninSulA SporTS cluB honorS co-AThleTeS of The YeAr

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2011-12 41 of 56

aThleTiCs

“I chose The Apprentice School to learn a new trade, earn a degree without

having to pay for it and take advantage of the endless opportunities to move up

in the company. I am a part of something great. The Apprentice School is a great

opportunity to further your career and educational goals with many people behind

you 100 percent, helping and watching you succeed.”

christina licano, welder Apprentice and women’s Basketball player

The Apprentice School basketball

teams hosted 75 participants at

their June 29 basketball camp.

The event was free and open

to children of Newport News

Shipbuilding employees. Men’s

and women’s basketball coaches

and players led campers in a

series of drills and activities

designed to improve their core

skills, and campers received

lunch and a t-shirt. Lady Builder

and Foundry Apprentice Shanae

hilliard leads campers in a

dribbling exercise.

cAmperS driBBle Their wAY To BeTTer SkillS

Formed in 2007, The Apprentice School’s drum line is a creative

outlet for apprentices and current Newport News Shipbuilding

employees to gain leadership experience, develop self-discipline

and promote school spirit. Each Sept. through Feb., the drum line

performs at home football and basketball games, local holiday

parades and selected Newport News Shipbuilding events. valarie

gray, marine design graduate and head drum line coach, and

matthew landon, welding equipment repair apprentice and

assistant drum line coach, lead the group.

percuSSioniSTS drum up eXciTemenT AT School evenTS

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2011-12 43 of 56

aThleTiCs

“After working in the personnel office for eight years, I had a choice to

transfer to the school to work in the new admissions office or stay and

work for personnel. Transferring to the school was the best decision

ever! For 35 years, I have enjoyed the individuals I work for and the

people I work with. I also enjoy seeing the graduates who have worked

so hard during their apprenticeship be promoted throughout the

shipyard.”

Judy hester, Administrative Assistant (honorary Apprentice School Alumna)

Men’s basketball players earned post-season honors from the USCAA at the pre-tournament banquet held

March 7. isaih harrison, sheet metal apprentice, was named a USCAA First Team All-American for the third

consecutive year. Tevin Andrews (front right), rigger apprentice, was named a First Team All-American for the

second consecutive year. The men’s basketball team finished fourth at the 2012 USCAA Nationals in Uniontown,

Pa., and finished the season with a 17-11 record.

men’S BASkeTBAll SeASon A SlAm dunk on All fronTS

The Builders ended their spring 2012 golf season with a fourth

place finish at the Roanoke College Invitational held at Roanoke

Country Club. Rigger Apprentice Ben hunter earned a medalist

honor at the invitational and set a new lowest scoring season

record with a 75.04 over 22 rounds, besting the record of 75.9

held by Assistant Coach B.J. maben. Apprentice School golfers

closed the fall 2012 season with a fourth place finish at the

USCAA National Championship. Hunter and Coatings Specialist

Apprentice kyle mutter (right) captured second and fourth

place, respectively. Mutter finished the season with USCAA

All-Academic honors.

golferS drive for A record SeASon

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Bryan cave celebrated his 500th career win with

a 7-3 victory over Penn State Greater Allegheny

on March 4. Cave has been affiliated with Builder

baseball for 37 years, successfully transitioning

from student-athlete to coach. Cave’s Builders have

finished in the top three in seven of 13 trips to the

USCAA National Championships. Cave’s teams

placed second at the USCAA three times, including

2012, and won the 2007 national championship.

His outstanding record includes having coached

37 USCAA All-Americans, 14 USCAA Honorable

Mention All-Americans and 20 USCAA All-Academic

selections in his 23 seasons as head coach.

Builder BASeBAll coAch AmASSeS 37 YeArS And 500 cAreer winS

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2011-12

Builder wrestlers closed the season and finished 11th of

79 teams at the National Collegiate Wrestling Association

National Championships in Daytona Beach, Fla. The wrestling

team had three members recognized on the All-State

Wrestling Team by the Virginia Sports Information Directors.

Heavy Metal Fabricator Apprentice ian Jones was a first

team selection, while Maintenance Electrician Apprentice

Ty ford and Outside Machinist Apprentice marcus chevres

were second team selections. This is the only team that

encompasses all schools in the state. Chevres is a three-

time honoree now with a first team selection in 2010 and

two straight second-team selections.

Machinist Apprentice Stuart roes (right) wrestles for a win

against Anderson University’s Jordan Denmark with an 8-7

decision.

wreSTlerS pin down SpoTS on All-STATe TeAm

Builder BASeBAll hiTS home runS on The field And in The clASSroom

45 of 56

aThleTiCs

The Builders earned high academic and athletic honors during

their latest season. Sam massie, electrician apprentice, and chris

Scarola, dimensional control apprentice, were named USCAA

All-Americans on May 6, at the USCAA Small College World Series

in Illinois. devorn lake, rigger apprentice received an honorable

mention. Additionally, Travis franklin, marine design apprentice;

zach harding, electrician apprentice; Scarola; and david Sebera,

welder apprentice, earned USCAA All-Academic honors, which

requires a grade point average of 3.5 and the completion of their

first year of athletic eligibility. The Builders earned a second place

finish at the USCAA Small College World Series and finished the

season with a 29-18 record. This was the third time the Builders

took second place in the series.

chris Aldridge, outfielder and pipefitter apprentice, dives for a

catch.

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Head Coach lanica williams-Tallon and

Assistant Coach dickran parunak coached

the Lady Builders to 23 wins during the

2011-2012 season. Lady Builders enjoyed

their second most wins per season in school

history and earned a bid to the USCAA National

Championships held in Union Town, Pa. Their

trip to the national tournament was the 10th

for the Lady Builders. For the second year

in a row, Electrician Apprentice and Guard

courtney collins was named to the USCAA’s

Honorable Mention Women’s All-American

Team. Collins led the team in scoring and was

named USCAA Player of the Week for her

performance at the December 2011 Penn State

Brandywine Tournament.

lAdY BuilderS rAllY for An hiSToric SeASon

cheer TeAm And mAScoT crAfT School SpiriTThe Apprentice School cheer

team and Builder Man mascot

bring the spirit to home football

and basketball games. Coached

by Insulator Craft Instructor

kimberly Jordan, the cheer team

also participates in local holiday

parades and appears at fundraising

events sponsored by student

organizations.

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2011-12 47 of 56

aThleTiCs

“I enjoy meeting new apprentices and watching them work their way through the

program. It is so rewarding to see a student understand a new concept in class.

I feel that ‘my’ naval architecture-related courses challenge them in ways that

they have not been challenged before. Even though some of them may stumble,

ultimately they are successful if they want to be. I am very proud when they finish

my courses because it demonstrates that these apprentices are capable of rising to

the challenge.”

Jennifer ryan, Academic instructor

Builder fooTBAll TAkeS To The field wiTh new heAd coAchOffensive Lineman larry peterson and Punter Blake penix, both electrician apprentices, were recognized at the Hampton Roads

Sports Commission’s Celebration of College Football Awards Banquet for their performance during the 2011 season. Each college

football team in Hampton Roads nominated an offensive player and a defensive player to be honored. Additionally, Penix received

First Team All-State College division honors from the Virginia Sports Information Directors Association. After the close of the

season, paul hoffman returned to the coaching staff as head football coach, a position he last held from 1990-97.

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Members of the Apprentice Jaycees

Student Chapter (AJSC) attended

the United States Jaycees Chapter

Annual Meeting in Des Moines,

Iowa, from June 27-30. Outside

Machinist Apprentice cameron

collier (front right) received the

AJSC Presidential Medallion Award

of Appreciation for his hard work

and dedication to the chapter. Earlier

in the summer, the AJSC received

the Best New Project award from

the Virginia Apprentice Jaycees

Chapter (VAJC) for their work with

Achievable Dream’s Egg Drop

Competition. Collier also received

New Member of the Year honors

from the VAJC.

Collier receives the award from

AJSC President Sean Brady, a 2011

marine design graduate.

JAYceeS STudenT chApTer reApS AwArdS

“Before coming to The Apprentice School, I had been out of school for nine years

and had worked two jobs for a substantial period of time. I was tired of having two

jobs; I wanted a career and chose the school because I saw a real future here. I

don’t know anywhere else you can get paid to learn a trade and get an education

at the same time. The most memorable aspect of my apprenticeship has been the

relationships I’ve formed. The friendships I have made with my fellow apprentices

and the relationships I’ve built with my craft instructors and academic instructors

are awesome. The Apprentice School can open a lot of doors for people; there are

so many possibilities and career paths to choose from at the school.”

Adam ferry, pipefitter Apprentice

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2011-12 49 of 56

sTudenT serviCes

Student Services sponsored a March 15 “dine and learn” seminar for apprentices. Fifty apprentices arrived prepared for the event

with a copy of their résumé and dressed in business attire. marcie Bombelyn, staffing representative, delivered a presentation

about résumé development and job interview skills, and Debbie Bruss, etiquette instructor, shared information about dining

etiquette for business meetings.

dine And leArn evenT feedS ApprenTiceS’ emploYABiliTY SkillS

The Apprentice School Student Chapter of the Society

of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME)

hosted its fifth annual boat design competition for Virginia

high school students. The chapter partnered with the

University of Michigan and Webb Institute, two of the

most prestigious marine engineering, naval architecture

and shipbuilding academic programs in the country, to

judge the entry design packages. Forty teams competed

to be among the four finalists whose boats would be

constructed by apprentices and raced in Lake Maury, at

The Mariners’ Museum, in Newport News, Va. Teams

from Lee County Career and Technical Center, Jamestown

High School and York High School were finalists in the

competition. The Predator, designed by a team from

Jamestown High School, in Williamsburg, Va., was the

winning entry.

The predATor preYS upon oTher BoATS AT Sme compeTiTion

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2011-12 51 of 56

sTudenT serviCes

AlumnuS deSignS weBB inSTiTuTe Tour for SnAme memBerS

cArdBoArd BoATS rAce To rAiSe fundS for chAriTY

The Apprentice School’s student chapter of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) visited

Webb Institute, in Glen Cove, N.Y, from Sept. 21-23. don rickerson (Class of 2008), marine design graduate

and current Webb student, hosted the group. Chapter members attended a lecture about ship design and model

testing, conducted model tests and performed calculations to scale the model test results to full scale. Rickerson

led the group on a tour of the campus and a sailing excursion on the Long Island Sound. 

Jennifer ryan, academic instructor and SNAME faculty advisor; dawn hardister, planning apprentice; Jarrod

griffith, nuclear test technician apprentice; gary garner, non-destructive testing apprentice; Rickerson; Rick

Neilson, dean, Webb Institute; and nic o’Brien, welder apprentice, pose on the Webb Institute campus.

The Apprentice School’s student chapter of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers held the Fifth Annual

Cardboard Boat Regatta to benefit the Khedive Shrine Hospital Patient Transportation Fund and Shriners

Hospitals for Children on Sept. 15. The regatta was sponsored by BayPort Credit Union, Chapter 217 of the

Society of Manufacturing Engineers and The Apprentice School. The regatta drew one of its largest crowds

to date and featured boats constructed by academic and craft instructors, The Apprentice School Alumni

Association, various student organizations and Newport News Shipbuilding employees. A DJ, the school’s

drum line and cheer team provided

entertainment.

“Since I was hired, I spent the majority of my career affiliated with The

Apprentice School, both as an apprentice and craft instructor. While an

apprentice, I had valuable experiences and learned a multitude of things

which shaped me into the shipbuilder I am today. These experiences not only

taught me the craft of dimensional control and about the ship’s processes,

but they taught me the leadership skills and what it takes to build the

greatest warships in the world for the U.S. Navy.”

melissa wheeler, dimensional control craft instructor (class of 2007)

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Alumni, apprentices and other

shipbuilders participated in the

Apprentice Alumni Association’s 17th

Annual Children’s Fishing Clinic. The

July 20 event was free and open to

children ages eight to 12. Children spent

a day on the James River with their

shipbuilder mentors and learned how to

bait hooks, fish and untangle lines.

ShipBuilderS geT kidS hooked on fiShing

The Apprentice Alumni Association has a long

tradition of supporting the Society of Manufacturing

Engineers’ cardboard boat regatta, a tradition they

continued in 2012 with their entry The Miracle. Santa

Claus, portrayed by Tom gentry, association past

president, captained the boat with a crew of elves and

reindeer. The team raised more than $1,000 to benefit

the Khedive Shrine Patient Transportation Fund and

Shriners Hospitals for Children and received awards for

Best Dressed and Fan Favorite.

Alumni ASSociATion ‘SleighS’ compeTiTion AT regATTA

“My apprenticeship gave me a good understanding of what is expected of me

and prepared me to become a leader in the carrier overhaul program. Also, my

experience helps me to be the best coach I can be; I fully understand the demands

of an apprentice student-athlete. I enjoy watching apprentices apply themselves in

a positive direction and working with them on the golf course. I feel a great sense

of pride watching my golfers accomplish their goals and walk across the stage at

graduation.”

Joey maben, nuclear construction Supervisor and head golf coach

(class of 1982)

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2011-12 53 of 56

aluMni

Norris Williams (center), Virginia Apprenticeship Alumni Association (VAAA) president, poses with alumni don rickerson (left)

and carlyn Swanson (right), who received scholarships from the association for the 2012-2013 academic year. Rickerson, a

2008 marine design graduate, is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at Webb Institute,

Glen Cove, N.Y. Rickerson holds an Associate of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Thomas Nelson

Community College. Swanson, a 2010 marine design graduate, earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from

Old Dominion University and currently attends The George Washington University, where she is pursuing a Master of Science in

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering. Rickerson and Swanson are both active members of the VAAA and will use

the scholarships to complete their degrees.

The Apprentice Alumni Association held its 70th Annual Crab Feast

July 20, at the Newport News, Va., Knight of Columbus’ Carpenito

Hall. More than 350 alumni and their guests feasted on steamed

crabs and a buffet of barbeque, cole slaw, corn, baked beans and

crab salad. Members who donated canned goods at the event were

entered into a special raffle to benefit the Peninsula Food Bank, a

staple fund-raiser at all major Apprentice Alumni Association events.

Sixteen bags of canned goods and $250 were collected during the

event and donated to the Peninsula Food Bank.

david lee conlon (Class of 1980), machinist graduate, enjoys a

feast of steamed blue crabs.

vAAA rewArdS Alumni for conTinuing educATion

Alumni TAke A crAck AT rAiSing moneY for food BAnk

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The legacy continues when the Apprentice School

makes its move to the new facility in fall 2013.

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2011-12 55 of 56

... a brighT fuTure

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The Apprentice School’s Master Shipbuilders, who possess more than 200 years’ shipbuilding experience, place a Director’s Coin

in the foundation of the new school facility. They are (front, left to right) ed dise, manager, product training; and frank Stutts,

welding craft instructor; and (back, left to right) ron liles, manager, product training; Steve hall, academic instructor; and charlie

Smith, machinist craft instructor.

mASTer ShipBuilderS mAke Their mArk AT new fAciliTY

A Director’s Coin is embedded in the new

facility’s foundation to commemorate The

Apprentice School’s proud past and bright

future.

commemorATive coin linkS pAST And fuTure

The Apprentice School4101 Washington AvenueNewport News, VA 23607www.apprenticeschool.comwww.gobuilders.com

Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Council on Occupational Educationwww.council.org