Advancing to positions of leadership within Ingalls Shipbuilding is something any shipbuilder can do as long they never stop learning on the job.
That’s how Joey Ockman went from a fifth class helper to General Ship Superintendent, and it’s the advice he often gives new shipbuilders.
“With hard work, grit and determination, I kept an open mind and pursued every opportunity available to help me continue learning. That’s how I was able to get promoted,” said Ockman. “A lot of times, people worry about only having a high school education, but as long as you’re still learning on the job, you can have a successful career. I’m a prime example of that and Ingalls ensures those opportunities are available.”
Ockman began at Avondale straight out of high school, following in his father’s footsteps. Starting as an engine room helper in Test & Trials, he went on to become a tank tester. He then met the requirements to become first class and transferred to Quality Assurance as an inspector. Later, he joined the ship’s management team as a boat foreman.
After nearly 20 years at Avondale, he transferred to Ingalls in 2013. This year, he was promoted to General Ship Superintendent and is currently the lead for ship’s management on LPD 29.
For Ockman, the most important part of his job as general ship superintendent is ensuring the safety of every person the ship.
“Safety is the most important thing to me, making sure everyone gets to go home safe the same way I do at the end of the day,” he said. “There’s roughly 900 to 1000 shipbuilders working on LPD 29 and I’m responsible for their safety every single day. It’s the most important responsibility we have.”
Providing a safe workplace extends to the Sailors and Marines who will serve aboard the ship for years to come.
“I want to build the best ship possible, one that I would feel safe putting my own child on. Being able to put the children of fellow Americans on this ship is a huge responsibility. We can’t keep them safe when they’re out there in harm’s way, but we can make sure the ships they sail on are safe, and that’s what I work hard to do each day,” said Ockman.
Ingalls offers multiple paths for a person to grow their career, enabling them to move into higher positions with greater earning potential.
“Ingalls is a great company to work for. They will provide the education and training, whether it be learning a new craft or learning how to be a supervisor. The person just has to want to learn,” said Ockman. “There are so many people here willing to teach you.”
With more than 500 job titles to choose from, you can build your own journey. The possibilities are limitless. Ask your supervisor or contact HR for job openings, training and growth opportunities, or click here to see the openings currently available: CARE| HII