The apprenticeship program is a partnership between PSNS and Olympic College. Representatives from the college, plus the shipyard's production shops, the human resources department, security department and Naval Hospital Bremerton will be available for questions. Applicants must complete an entrance exam offered by Olympic College and a physical and security assessment. PSNS has 28 apprentice trades ranging from pipefitters and electricians to welders and machinists, she said.
All apprenticeships are four years long.
Students work and attend Olympic College classes quarterly for the first three years of their employment, taking post-secondary classes in English, math, physics, mechanical drawing and trade theory. Those who successfully complete the program receive an Olympic College associate in technical arts degree and are converted to journeymen upon graduation, Mascianica said. Apprentices are considered full-time employees entitled to benefits. Required tuition, books and related fees are paid by PSNS, Mascianica said. Last year, more than 1,400 people applied, with 473 qualified applicants competing for 173 vacancies, she said.