The Ingalls Apprentice School is one of the key ways Ingalls invests in the future of shipbuilding. In honor of National Apprenticeship Week, which was November 17-23, we sat down with electrical apprentice Brandon House and pipe insulator apprentice Gatric Thompson. Both are currently progressing through the program, and their passion, drive and commitment are a testament to the strength of our workforce. Here's a look at their journeys and what inspires them to build the future of our industry.
Brandon, you moved down from Springfield, Illinois. Gatric, you started in the restaurant business. What led you both down this path as a shipbuilder?
Brandon: My family has been vacationing on the Mississippi Gulf Coast for years. I just finally said, you know what? The market's up. We sold the house, moved down here, and started plowing through the internet to find jobs and stuff. That’s when I came across the apprenticeship program.
Gatric: I worked in the service industry for 11 years prior to the shipyard. I just wanted to do something different and, most importantly, make a difference. The pay is better and I was excited to make an effort towards a career change.
Talk to me about some of your roles now and what you're doing with the apprenticeship program.
Gatric: I’m an insulator currently working in compartment completion. We are responsible for getting everything ready, from insulation to air conditioning and heating, so ships can move on to the next phase.
Brandon: I’m a maintenance electrician. Right now on the current rotation, I'm in the translation crew, and we translate all the boats wherever they need to go. We just moved a part of a DDG so they can start building the next unit in its place. It’s pretty exciting.
Talk to me about some of the skills you have acquired or learned through the apprenticeship program.
Brandon: Through this program, I've learned a lot about electricity. I've got about 20 years of manufacturing experience. Learning the way electricity powers things and converting different things has been so much fun. Also, a lot of my safety training from the mechanical side before I came to Ingalls is helping me now as an apprentice. Safety regulations and protocols are very important to me.
Gatric: I’ve enjoyed every second of being an apprentice. I've learned how to use a tape measure. I’ve learned how to cut insulation out, the different types of insulation, and how and where to fit the insulation.
What is your favorite part about your job?
Gatric: It’s definitely the people I work around. I get a chance to learn and share that information with other shipbuilders. While I’m learning, building those relationships helps me grow my leadership skills, as well. I work with several different foremen, and I truly enjoy just meeting everybody, taking my skills and applying them to what I’m doing in the shipyard.
Brandon: My favorite thing has been all the different experiences I've had so far in the different crews. Instead of just being hired on and put in a crew and having to stay there, I get to take pieces of knowledge from the different maintenance electricians and electrical crews. I think that sets you up for success because your view is widened.
What advice would you give someone who may be interested in going through the apprenticeship program?
Brandon: It might seem a little scary, like you're going back to school and stuff like that, but all the butterflies go away. If you're feeling hesitant, just go for it. Just apply. It's super easy to apply and get in and a great opportunity. If you graduate as an apprentice out here, you can have a long career to carry you through the rest of your life.
Gatric: I agree with Brandon. I came out here with no skills at all. Now, I’ve learned so much and I’m excited to see what the future holds. You’re getting paid to learn and make a difference. Not only that, it's a good place to retire. There’s a lot of people out here that make a good living for their family. I have a daughter in college right now and this helps me pay for her tuition. So, don’t be afraid. Take that step in your career. You won’t regret it.
Are you or someone you know interested in becoming an Ingalls apprentice? Apply today and start growing your career! Browse all current job openings here: www.hii.com/careers