COMMEMORATING THE 100-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE APPRENTICE SCHOOL IN NEWPORT NEWS, VIRGINIA; Congressional Record Vol. 165, No. 106
(Extensions of Remarks - June 24, 2019)
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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E828]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
COMMEMORATING THE 100-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE APPRENTICE SCHOOL IN
NEWPORT NEWS, VIRGINIA
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HON. ROBERT C. ``BOBBY'' SCOTT
of virginia
in the house of representatives
Monday, June 24, 2019
Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the
100th Anniversary of The Apprentice School in Newport News, Virginia,
which was founded in 1919 at Newport News Shipbuilding.
The Apprentice School has been continually recognized locally,
regionally, nationally, and globally as an extraordinary apprentice
program. It is a leading example of how apprentice programs have been
redesigned to teach a wide array of skilled trades, while also offering
an educational program rich in academic instruction, craft training,
leadership, and extracurricular activities.
In its 100 year history, the Apprentice School has graduated more
than 10,800 apprentices, with approximately 800 young men and women
currently enrolled in 28 different, four-, five-, and eight-year
apprenticeship programs. The Apprentice School provides an academic
curriculum that includes studies in Mathematics, Physics, Strength of
Materials, Drafting, Marine Engineering, Shipbuilding Operations, and
Technical Communications, among other disciplines, leading to a strong
technical education foundation.
The Apprentice School has contributed significantly to Newport News
Shipbuilding's reputation, tradition and success, producing complex
sea-faring vessels and passenger ships to nuclear submarines and
aircraft carriers with the craftsmanship of highly skilled graduates.
Representing 13 percent of Newport News Shipbuilding's total current
workforce, graduates of The Apprentice School comprise 60 percent of
today's general foremen and 45 percent of the production management
team. More than 70 percent of graduates are still with the company 15
years after graduation, and graduates are found at all levels of the
organization, and all levels of management with more than 3,000
graduates currently employed in more than 230 different occupations.
To ensure that apprentices have many education and employment
opportunities, The Apprentice School partners with local community
colleges and universities to deliver the related academic component of
these apprenticeships, which culminates in associate and bachelor's
degrees. In addition, the school has established articulation
agreements with 10 colleges and universities, providing a seamless
transfer of credits and continuing education opportunities for
graduates.
The Apprentice School is accredited by the Commission of the Council
on Occupational Education. Their apprenticeship programs are also
recognized by and registered with the Virginia Apprenticeship Council,
allowing apprentices the opportunity to earn college credit, receive
competitive pay and benefits, learn a trade, and foster the development
of craftsmanship, scholarship and leadership.
Over its 100-year history, The Apprentice School at Newport News
Shipbuilding has proven its commitment to establishing robust training
and development programs intended to develop and leverage the full
potential of the future workforce, and provide high-quality
opportunities for its students and the community.
Madam Speaker, The Apprentice School and Newport News Shipbuilding
will gather for a celebration this weekend to commemorate this
important milestone for the school. So as they look back on the last
100 years, I know that The Apprentice School and its graduates will
continue to make important contributions to our nation's shipbuilding
industry over the next 100 years.
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