By Karl Johnson, Ship Repair Communications Director

The quest for knowledge is a journey that takes time and can be difficult – but it’s almost always worthwhile.

Four years ago, 38 people sought out to obtain the skills to become the next great shipyard apprentice. By September 2022, just eleven ambitious individuals were able to officially complete BAE Systems’ apprenticeship program and were awarded with the skills and experience that will last a lifetime.

BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair (NSR) recognized these employees as its newest graduates, bestowing first-class mechanic certifications upon them in their respective trades.

The new graduates are Rigger Antoine Badger, Carpenter Jasmine Bruton, Shipfitter Michael Dunaway, Rigger Michael Ellis, Electrician David Faine, Sheetmetal Mechanic James Harris, Welder Stacy Harris, Outside Machinist John Howard, Inside Machinist Gary Phillips, Pipefitter Kevin Rose, and Pipefitter Patrick Thorne.

Antoine was recognized as the class valedictorian.

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As a rigger, Antoine is responsible for conducting the lift and movement of equipment aboard ship and throughout the shipyard.

Back in the early days of his apprenticeship, Antoine said he never would have imagined being honored as valedictorian on graduation day. But he had a special focus from the very beginning as a trainee – his drive to the top was for his family.

“My family is so excited about everything, including me being a valedictorian,” Antoine said. “They were my motivation. My wife and I have a two-year-old boy and a seven-year-old girl. We’re also welcoming a new baby in January. The apprentice program has allowed me to provide for my family while also building something special for myself.”

Congressman Bobby Scott (D-Va.) spoke to a crowd of proud family members and co-workers at the graduation. The ceremony was the culmination of four years of hard work and training for the graduates, that began on August 30, 2018.

The purpose of the apprenticeship program is to provide accelerated training, skills, and certification in four years that would otherwise take a new employee much longer. First-class mechanics are considered highly-competent and authorized to work in their trade as a fully-qualified production employee.

“We train apprentices to become first class mechanics in our shipyard, and future leaders in the maritime industry,” said Mike Bruneau, NSR’s vice president and general manager. “Many of our past graduates have risen to supervisory or executive positions within the shipyard or across the waterfront. It’s a tremendous opportunity.”

Stacy Harris recently graduated from the program as a welder.

“I heard about the apprentice program when I started here as a fire watch,” Stacy said. “I was trying to get my foot in the door as a welder. When the apprentice program opened up, I took the test and I got in.”

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Welder Stacy Harris celebrates receiving her certificate of completion with Congressman Scott, who spoke at the Sept. 23 completion ceremony.

A single mom of twin 14-year-old girls, Stacy said that graduating is “one of the best feelings in the world.” She also mentioned that her career goals do not end with graduation day.

“The sky’s the limit,” Stacy said. “I think I want to apply to be a weld supervisor. I would like to be a superintendent someday.”

For Antoine, he is focusing on taking his new status one day at a time.

“That’s been my motto the whole time I’ve been in the program,” Antoine said. “I see the progress I am making. Today, I am a first-class mechanic.”

NSR’s apprentice program started in 1936 and currently offers a mix of classroom instruction and on-the-job training. The program is designed to transform those with minimal trade experience into first class journey people.

There is a fresh class of 38 apprentices in the program today who will look to graduate over the next few years. NSR’s apprenticeship program consists of nine different fields to choose from, including electricity, pipefitting, and welding.

Join the mission

Have the skills and dedication to become the next great apprentice? Join our talent community to stay up to date when applications for the next cohort become available in spring 2023.

Looking to apply your talent at BAE Systems Ship Repair today? Browse opportunities here.