Page 59: of Maritime Logistics Professional Magazine (Q3 2014)

premier machine shops and steel fabrication facilities, exten- sive sheet metal and wood working shops, a complete motor rebuild and repair shop, a complete propulsion shaft repair facility with capacity up to 65 tons, high-capacity pump and valve repair and calibration facilities and a full range of labo- ratory services.In December 2013, The Apprentice School opened a new 92,000-square-foot facility as part of a development project pioneering the revitalization of the downtown Newport News area in partnership with the City of Newport News, the Com- monwealth of Virginia, Armada Hofß er Holding Co. and Huntington Ingalls Industries. The modern facility houses classrooms, computer labs, a naval architect and marine engi- neering room, physics lab, various ofÞ ces, a conference room, student center and even a gymnasium. Notably, the school has three NCAA Division III athletic programs. Leadership 101Though the program serves as an excellent career builder for professionals seeking entrance into various spaces within the shipbuilding Þ eld, the school also helps foster leadership within the HII company. Among Apprentice School alumni are three of the groupÕs current vice presidents, along with countless other leaders in managerial and directorial positions throughout the group, including about 55% of the yardÕs pro- duction management team.ÒThe Apprentice School is considered to be the leadership academy for our company, and others refer to us as the back- bone of our company,Ó explained Everett Jordan, a 1977 Ap- prentice School shipÞ tter alumnus and now the schoolÕs educa- tional director. ÒOur charter is to take young men and women and develop them in terms of craftsmanship, scholarship and leadership so that they will integrate into our leadership team and help to run our business for the next several decades.Ó photo by John Whalen photo by Chris Oxleywww.maritimeprofessional.com | Maritime Professional | 5950-63 Q3 MP2014.indd 5950-63 Q3 MP2014.indd 598/13/2014 2:56:05 PM8/13/2014 2:56:05 PM