Apprentice Program
Ship Repairers ensure our Navy & Commercial fleet operate at maximum readiness. The hard-working men and women who maintain and modernize these vessels are pivotal to the nation’s economy and security.
There are many opportunities for high-paying careers offering great benefits in the ship repair industry. However, they all require experience and training for success. Our Virginia state-accredited, apprenticeship program prepares you for a promising career in the Maritime Industry.
The Técnico Apprenticeship Program, founded in 2012, is designed to invite talented individuals to build a workforce of skilled journeymen who want a rewarding career. Our apprenticeship program is a powerful solution that equip workers with the technical skills needed to grow and succeed in the ship repair industry while carrying out our mission to support fleet readiness.
Our apprenticeship offers training in the following trades:
Electrical
Electrician apprentices install, test, operate and maintain shipboard electrical systems, including lighting, power distribution, machinery, electronics, communications, and testing equipment. This trade requires a rigorous series of electrical theory courses to complement on-the-job training.
Pipefitting
Pipefitter apprentices install, inspect and test shipboard piping systems. They learn the characteristics of steel, copper, copper-nickel and stainless steel pipe. Training begins in the pipe fabrication shops, with lessons in brazing and shipboard pipe bending and configuration.
Sheet Metal (Mechanic)
Sheet metal apprentices are responsible for the majority of the interior finish work on all vessels. They remove, fabricate and install shipboard bunks, lockers, stowage bins, workbenches, furniture and bulkheads. They also fabricate, install, test and balance ventilation systems.
Shipfitting/Structural
Shipfitter apprentices work on all structural aspects of the ship. This Includes fabrication, assembly, installation and alignment of ship structures, foundations, hatches, doors, and bulkheads.
Welding
Welding apprentices learn the full range of manual, semiautomatic and automatic welding processes. They use a wide range of metals and welding processes to perform structural and pipe welds in all phases of ship repair.
Become a Skilled Journeyman
Apprentices participate in a rigorous training program, which combines trade specific training and on-the-job learning experiences with TCC’s academic classes. Apprentices are employed with a competitive salary and evaluated twice a year to receive performance based salary increase. Upon successful completion of the program, apprentices graduate with a Journeyman Card, A Certificate of Completion from the Virginia Department of Labor (VDOL) Apprenticeship Council and a Maritime Certificate of Achievement through Tidewater Community College (TCC).
High-paying careers offering great benefits in the ship repair industry
Qualification Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:
- Citizenship: Due to government restrictions, this course is only open to United States Citizens.
- At least 18-years old: Due to safety requirements, students must be at least 18 to enter the program.
- Drug Free: Applicants will be subject to a drug screening prior to being hired.
- Background Check: Applicants must submit to background check prior to beginning the program. All students will need to qualify for security access to work in the Ship Repair Industry.
- Reliable Transportation: Attendance is mandatory throughout the program, so participants will need access to reliable transportation to get to and from class and work, on time, every day!
Apprenticeship Alumni Association
Apprentice Program Affiliates
