Photo By Hanna Lanoie | Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Trades Apprenticeship & Worker Skills Progression Program...... read more read more
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard hosted a graduation ceremony Friday, August 15 at Noble High School in North Berwick, Maine for the Production Trades Apprentice and Worker Skills Progression Program (WSPP) Class of 2025.
The Shipyard Chapter of the National Association of Superintendents hosted the event to officially welcome the class of 125 graduates to the PNSY workforce. This graduating class includes 32 apprentices from the Trades Apprenticeship Program and 93 from the WSPP, collectively representing 20 different trades. These programs are essential in equipping participants with the skills and capabilities needed to meet mission requirements, making them a vital part of the shipyard workforce.
Shipyard Commander Capt. Jesse Nice addressed the graduates with inspiring words of encouragement. “The future rests in your skilled hands. Own your expertise, help your fellow shipyarders, always be willing to ask ‘why’ and never be satisfied with ‘good enough’.” said Capt. Nice. “Remember that nothing here is so sacred that we should not ask if we can improve it. I am confident that by applying the knowledge you have gained, you will make the difference in delivering the Navy the Nation needs. Let’s get to work!”
The four-year Trades Apprenticeship consists of academic courses administered jointly by Great Bay Community College - Pease and York County Community College and trade-related courses conducted by the PNSY training department. On-the-job training is accomplished under the mentorship of highly experienced production trades workers. The combined academic and hands-on training enables participants to become journey-level workers with a greater understanding of their craft.
The WSPP is a three to five-year apprenticeship where previous work experience and technical trade training are combined with on-the-job training to advance participants to the trade mechanic level. Currently, the shipyard supports 1,064 participants across its apprenticeship programs.
Production Training Superintendent (acting) Dennis Haug served as the keynote speaker. “This isn’t just about welding or rigging or pipefitting, coverings, wiring and more. It’s about building something that lasts. It’s about showing up on time, staying until the job’s done right, and holding yourself to a standard that says, ‘If my name’s on it, it’s going to be done with pride — Portsmouth Pride!’” said Haug. “You didn’t just finish a program. You earned a place in history.”
As America’s leader for attack submarine maintenance, repair and modernization, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is enhancing critical warfighting capabilities by safely delivering first-time quality service, on-budget, on time to the fleet.
| Date Taken: | 08.15.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 08.15.2025 21:51 |
| Story ID: | 545632 |
| Location: | NORTH BERWICK, MAINE, US |
| Web Views: | 87 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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