HII's Ingalls Shipbuilding Celebrates Apprentice School Graduates

Core Insights - HII's Ingalls Shipbuilding division celebrated the graduation of its latest class of apprentices, highlighting the importance of workforce development in the shipbuilding industry [1][5] - The Ingalls apprentice program has been operational since 1952, producing over 4,000 graduates and currently enrolling more than 600 students [5][8] - The program is recognized as a critical component of Ingalls' skilled workforce, contributing to national security through the construction of military vessels [3][8] Company Overview - Ingalls Shipbuilding is the largest manufacturing employer in Mississippi, with a history of over 85 years in designing, building, and maintaining ships for the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard [8] - The company employs a workforce of 44,000 and is the nation's largest military shipbuilder, providing a range of capabilities from ships to advanced technologies [11] Apprentice Program Details - The Ingalls apprentice program combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience, focusing on skills such as welding and fitting [3][5] - Graduates of the program, like Cody Gildea, express pride in their work, which contributes to national defense [6][7] - Apprentices earn competitive wages and receive benefits, allowing them to develop into skilled craftsmen [7]