But the shipyard has expectations. Apprentices must commit to working at least two years at the shipyard, and the academic work is challenging. Classes include college algebra, English, technical writing, physics, mechanical drawing and computer-aided drafting. PSNS is looking for people who can demonstrate basic competence in math and English and show signs of commitment, responsibility and dependability, he said. Kelsay McFarland of Olalla, who is an apprentice temporary services electrician in the third year of the program, said the apprentice association is a close-knit group involved in a lot of community activities.
Members help each other along the way.
The association is now planning the celebration for its 100th anniversary next year. The first apprentice class was in 1901, Haas said, when the minimum age was 14 and you needed to have a fourth-grade education. The average age of an apprentice is 26, but there's no age limit, he added. Crenshaw said his classmates range in age from 18 to 40. Crenshaw and McFarland said they immediately felt they were inheriting a legacy when they joined the program.