Photo By Shelby West | From left to right: Norfolk Naval Shipyard Apprentice Director Colby Tynes, 2022...... read more read more
Friends and family gathered Oct. 14 at Scott Center Annex to celebrate the achievements of the graduates of the Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) Apprentice Program.
The 176 graduates, representing 21 trades across the shipyard, have completed a four-year training program, which includes academics, trade theory, and on-the-job experience. Upon graduation, the apprentices will receive a Technician Career Studies Certificate and will be converted to the journeymen level of their trade.
“In life, we often worry about how uncertain the future is, but today we get a look into our shipyard’s future,” said Shipyard Commander Capt. Dianna Wolfson. “That’s because you graduates are the very ones who will lead America’s Shipyard and keep our Navy sailing well into the 21st century. Regardless of your trade, you bring very unique and valuable skills to our ONE TEAM in America’s Shipyard in working towards fixing ships. You should be proud that you fix ships—and not just repairing them, but modernizing and inactivating them as well. You should be proud not only because you have a special skillset, but also given the kinds of ships under our care. Because we don’t work on ferries or cruise ships—we service warships that protect our Nation, our loved ones, our very way of life.”
She continued, “As a vital member of our ONE TEAM in America’s Shipyard, thank you for your daily commitment to deliver your competence and craftsmanship to maintain and modernize our Navy. I know a mindset of ‘Don’t Give Up The Shift’ takes discipline, responsibility, integrity and patience. It takes a continual focus on what can be achieved today. Show discipline in your work, own it with responsibility, exhibit integrity in all you do, and have the patience to value the perspectives and inputs of your teammates, building the shipyard culture we’re all proud to be a part of. Together, we will reach our shipyard vision to deliver on time, every time, everywhere to protect America. You are on the front line for delivering our Nation’s naval presence throughout the world, protecting our interests and keeping America and its allies safe. Don’t just hold the line, advance it. By serving Norfolk Naval Shipyard, we effectively serve our families, our community, our Navy and our Nation.”
The NNSY Apprentice Program Class of 2022 valedictorian was Linda Matthews, a Shop 31 Inside Machinist. A 2012 graduate of Lakeland High School, Matthews completed the program with a 3.942 GPA, which earned her an early promotion. “When people ask me if I like working at the shipyard, I can honestly say this is the best job I’ve ever had. I’ve had the opportunity to grow in a career and as a person. Above all, I feel like my work matters.”
Matthews continued, “Even though we have now completed our four year apprenticeship, we must be cautious not to become overconfident. This is a dangerous work environment where safety is paramount and complacency is the enemy of safety. One miscalculation could change the quality of your life forever. The most sobering part of the work we do here is knowing that we determine whether other people live or die. There is no room for error. We must demand perfection from ourselves and those around us. Today we call ourselves mechanics – we can no longer hide behind the title of apprentice. We must accept the responsibility that comes with our journeyman’s card. Whether you want to be the best mechanic you can be, or you aspire to be a superintendent – from here we will go on to be the next leaders of America’s Shipyard.”
This year marks the 109th anniversary of NNSY’s Apprentice Program, one of the most historic and honored apprentice programs in the nation. The program has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor, in partnership with the Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship (ACA), as a 21st Century Registered Apprenticeship Trailblazer and Innovator.
The event was livestreamed to the NNSY Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/norfolknavalshipyard1/.
| Date Taken: | 10.14.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 10.14.2022 21:03 |
| Story ID: | 431396 |
| Location: | PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 213 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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