business backgrounder | education & workforce
When Farley joined the program in 1998 , anyone could apply . Today , the official apprenticeship program is offered only to current shipyard workers . However , a separate helper program is available for students interested in entry-level employment with the shipyard . There is also an internship program for high school students .
After graduation , Farley began his career with the shipyard as a journey-level rigger and spent six years mastering the trade . In 2008 , he was promoted to work leader , and a year after that , he became an apprentice trade instructor . He continued to move up the ranks and was named director of the program in 2016 . While he is aware that his own career path might serve as an inspiration for many apprentices , Farley doesn ’ t believe that is the only route to success .
“ If I asked a student what they thought the biggest benefit of the program was , they ’ d probably say the fast track to being a superintendent when they ’ re done ,” Farley said . “ I don ’ t necessarily agree . We teach them how to lead . That starts with being able to lead yourself first .”
a new perspective
PSNS & IMF has a long and rich history . During World War I , the shipyard built hundreds of ships , including two minesweepers , seven submarines , 25 submarine chasers and 1,700 small boats . In World
“[ Students ] develop a lot of self-confidence , and they realize their dreams are achievable .”
— Bob Abel , professor of applied physics , Olympic College
War II , the shipyard repaired the five battleships that survived the attack on Pearl Harbor and serviced nearly one-third of the entire U . S . fleet .
Today , PSNS & IMF is the biggest naval shore facility in the Pacific Northwest and one of the largest industrial installations in the state . It is the only shipyard capable of deactivating and recycling nuclearpowered ships .
Having the opportunity to grow their careers at such a prestigious employer is a major draw for apprentices . But that is just one of the program ’ s many perks .
“ Apprentices find out more about their potential ,” Abel said . “ Maybe they didn ’ t do well in high school because they didn ’ t see a purpose for what they were learning . They come through this program , and we focus on teaching them how to learn , not just how to get a grade . They develop a lot of self-confidence , and they realize their dreams are achievable .”
36 association of washington business