Photo By Kristi R Britt | Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) Shop 41 Boilermaker Brent Davis was nominated for the...... read more read more
In the years prior to Brent Davis entering the Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) Apprenticeship Program, he worked to make ends meet for his family in the local area, wondering if there was a lasting career waiting out there for him. A friend of the family, who’d been part of the program nearly a decade ago, urged him to apply for years – and finally Davis took a shot, getting accepted into the program as a boilermaker apprentice. He had no idea what a boilermaker truly did, yet he wanted to take on the opportunity and see where it went. Now a journeyman in the shipyard and an official Shop 41 Boilermaker, Davis graduated with glowing marks across the board for his workmanship. And due to his hard work and dedication to the craft, Davis was nominated for the Department of Labor (DOL) and Industry’s Division of Registered Apprenticeship Outstanding Apprentice of the Year – being selected as one of three from NNSY to win the title for 2024.
“I was caught off-guard when I heard about such an achievement,” said Davis. “I had really high grades and evaluations throughout my time in the program and I put in my all into everything I did. My supervisors saw my efforts and put in a good word for me and here I am. I’m really proud to be recognized for this achievement. It really instills in me that if you put your all into your work and do your best, you’ve got folks cheering you on and wanting to recognize you for that. I’m thankful for the amazing team we have and am honored they felt I deserved such an award.”
Davis noted that his time in the apprenticeship program was a great experience and one that has granted him a positive outlook on his future career path. “The main goal of the boilermakers is the repair and overhaul of the ship’s boiler, which is the heart of the ship. It generates the steam that powers the turbine. Without the boiler, the ships won’t be going anywhere. I didn’t know anything about boilermakers coming into the shipyard, yet the more I learned about it and the more I saw just how important our role was, I grew to really enjoy my role here. What we do directly plays into keeping our ships mission-ready and that’s an amazing feeling to see that what I do plays such an important part for our nation.”
He continued, “Being in the apprenticeship is such an awesome experience overall because not only do we get to spend our schooling portion in classes at Tidewater Community College but also from day one, you had your toes dipped in the water straight away, learning the job right there on the deckplate. I was in the shop that first day and on the boat a week later. They gave you the tools you needed to learn the job and gave you that experience so you could grow into your field. Since I graduated, I’ve become a journeyman in the Boilermaker Shop and it’s been an amazing experience overall. There’s something so satisfying watching all that hard work come together at the end of a project, giving you a sense of accomplishment that because of your efforts, this ship is ready for its next step in returning to the fleet.”
When it comes to his future, Davis noted that he still has a way to go in the shop, wanting to learn as much as he can in hopes to one day help others as he had been helped during his time in the apprenticeship. “I want to become a subject matter expert in the shop,” he said. “I want to learn all the intricacies of boilermaker work because I want to be able to do as much as I can in the shop as well as be the person who can answer those questions as someone new comes in. There’s still some things I need to learn, but the idea of being an expert in the field really shines for me. I also like the idea of training people in the future so it will be a fun experience to see where my journey goes.”
When it comes to advice Davis has for others interested in joining the apprenticeship program, he said, “NNSY is full of opportunities, ranging from working at a desk to working at the deckplate. Whatever career you’re interested in, there’s something truly for everybody and the team here works hard to help you on your chosen path. I am truly blessed to have been able to join the apprenticeship. It’s done wonders for me and my family and I’ve grown so much in my career and finding something I’m truly passionate about.”
| Date Taken: | 04.04.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.04.2025 13:24 |
| Story ID: | 494589 |
| Location: | PORTSMOUTH, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 82 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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