The Apprenticeship was one of the defining moments in my life. This was the very first time I could actually call myself a “good” student. I had always been a smart student, but never particularly studious. When I started at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, suddenly school meant something! It wasn’t just about completing lists of tasks and appeasing teachers–this was my job! It was about fixing warships and keeping people alive. What’s even more, I found my passion for learning–a insatiable thirst to pursue development for myself and others. It has led me down a variegated path of goals and accomplishments and given me much to reflect on.

Write-up courtesy of the Central Kitsap Reporter.

The 2013 graduating class of Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility’s Apprentice Program has joined the work force as journey-level mechanics. Not only are the 190 graduates bringing a fresh set of eyes and dedicated work ethic to the ranks, they are adding knowledge and skill to 24 trades across the waterfront.

At the Sept. 20, graduation ceremony at the Bremerton Performing Arts Center, 190 graduates crossed the stage, closing a chapter that took four years to complete. In that time, they earned two journey-level certificates, an associate in technical arts degree from Olympic College and the knowledge that the work they do every day directly impacts the nation’s Navy.

“Every time we send a submarine, aircraft carrier or surface ship back to the fleet, we are telling them the best of the best have ensured these assets are ready for service to protect and serve sailors and Marines who walk her decks and passageways while protecting this great nation,” Capt. Stephen Williamson, Commander, PSNS & IMF, stated to the graduates in their 2013 yearbook. “Overcoming the challenges you encountered as a student prepared you to take on the challenges you may encounter on the deck plates.

“Having the drive and determination to do what it took to get here today is the same drive I want to see from each of you every day of your continuing journey.”

Along the way, four graduates stood out to leadership and were named recipients of notable student achievement awards at the ceremony. This year’s award recipients are:

Apprentice of the Year — Shop 64 Fabric Worker Robert Manglona; Craftsman of the Year — Shop 56 Marine Pipefitter Lindsay Francis; Leadership — Shop 56 Marine Pipefitter James Northup; and Scholastic Award — Code 740 Rigger Justin Clair. Another notable graduate, Shop 31E Electroplater Dustin Tweten, was selected by his peers to be the honorary class speaker.

“Tonight we are graduating from a program that expected excellence and there is no doubt we gave it to them,” Tweten said. “Continue that trend of excellent quality. Take pride in every little thing you do … As alumni of the Apprentice Program, our work quality will define who we are and show everyone where we came from. … It’s important to know that we keep people safe, equipment running and assist the Navy to continue to protect our country.”

Two individuals who helped guide the apprentices along the way were also honored in the evening’s festivities.

Becky Moore, Apprentice Program administrative assistant from 1984 to 2004 was named to the Apprentice Program Hall of Fame. She is considered the matriarch of the Apprentice School, having taken on a role that was immense and multifaceted. She made sure everyone did what they needed to graduate on time.

John Dailey, a pipefitter trade instructor for 12 years, received the Charles L. Derry Memorial Award. This award is not given every year, but is presented to mark the significant contribution of active faculty, staff or program supporters. Dailey not only taught trade theory, he taught all apprentices to be quality, talented individuals.