Careers Training Opportunities BIW Apprentice School

BIW Apprentice School

Earn while you learn

Your Future Starts Here

The BIW Apprentice School offers an educational and career opportunity unlike any other.

The BIW Apprentice School combines hands-on shipbuilding experience with a nationally respected academic foundation through its partnership with Maine Maritime Academy. This unique collaboration allows apprentices to pursue a college-level education while developing in-demand trade skills, all within a paid, real-world work environment.

Designed for highly motivated individuals interested in shipbuilding careers, the program delivers high-quality apprenticeship opportunities that blend rigorous academics with immersive craft training. The BIW Apprentice School is deeply committed to developing future leaders by emphasizing technical excellence, professionalism, and personal growth both in the classroom and on the job.

Since 1950, the BIW Apprentice School has graduated more than 1,200 apprentices in support of the operational needs of Bath Iron Works. Apprentices earn while they learn, build lifelong skills, and take pride in contributing directly to the construction of ships for the United States Navy.

Preparing You for Success

This program integrates academic coursework with real, hands-on trade training. Upon completion, apprentices earn an Associates of Science degree, creating a pathway to continued education, including a bachelor’s degree and potentially a master’s degree.

Achieving Excellence

In addition to earning a college education through Maine Maritime Academy, BIW Apprentices graduate with a State of Maine Certification of Apprenticeship and a diploma from the prestigious BIW Apprentice School. These credentials reflect the high standards of the program and prepare graduates for long-term success in skilled trades and leadership roles within the shipbuilding industry.

Training and Academics

Trades Training

Apprentices are, first and foremost, valued employees of BIW. When not participating in academic instruction, they gain hands-on craft training and real-world experience by working directly in areas aligned with their chosen trade. This approach ensures apprentices develop practical skills while contributing meaningfully to the work being done every day.

Each apprentice is paired with a Frontline Supervisor (FLS) who provides guidance, supervision and mentorship on the job. Frontline Supervisors are typically master craftspeople and often graduates of the apprenticeship program themselves. Working side by side with apprentices and other employees, they help build the product while fostering skill development and professional growth. FLSs are selected from among their peers for their proven ability to lead, mentor and inspire the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

Academics

Our academic program is designed to meet the rigorous standards of Maine Maritime Academy while supporting apprentices’ success both in the classroom and on the job. College-level courses are delivered on-site during the apprentice’s regular paid work hours, allowing participants to earn while they learn. A typical academic week includes approximately eight hours of classroom instruction, with all tuition, books and fees fully covered by the company.

Apprentices complete a STEM-focused core curriculum totaling 60 credits, building a strong foundation in technical mathematics, drafting, physical science and technical communications – skills that directly support long-term career growth in the trades.

view sample course schedule

Perfect your Craft

Apprenticeship Programs

Most apprentices complete an 8,000-hour apprenticeship – approximately four years – in one of the listed craft areas. This extensive, hands-on training is paired with a 60-credit college-level academic curriculum that strengthens technical knowledge in shipbuilding disciplines. Together, the combination of real-world experience and classroom instruction prepares apprentices for career advancement and supports continued educational growth.

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Carpenter

Ship’s Carpenters build, install, and remove rough wooden structures, temporary frame shelters, and protective covering for ship’s equipment. They also assemble, install, and repair ship furnishings, such as doors, lockers, cabinets, desks, and berths.

Machinist

Machinists set up and run all the manually controlled machines in the Machine Shop and Fabrication Shops. Machinist apprentices also learn to operate computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines – including boring mills, lathes, and milling machines. They work a wide variety of metals to produce valves, bolts, shafts, bushings, and other close tolerance machined parts.

Maintenance Electric & HVAC

Maintenance Electric & HVAC install and repair all the electrical systems for the buildings and cranes in the shipyard. This includes supply wiring, branch circuit wiring, and the equipment itself. Additionally, this group installs, maintains, and repairs all the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in the shipyard.

Maintenance Mechanic

Maintenance Mechanics install, repair and maintain all the machinery, mobile equipment, cranes, and all the structural buildings for the shipyard. Besides working on doors, floors, ceilings, and cabinets in buildings.

Marine Designer

Apprentices selected for this program will prepare a variety of engineering documents including drawings, liaison and discrepancy reports. Students will utilize PC-based design software including computer-aided drafting and specification/technical libraries. Design students will take courses specifically developed for the Marine Design apprenticeship including marine engineering and naval architecture.

Marine Electrician

Marine Electricians install electrical equipment, foundations for equipment, cable runs, cut in and hook up equipment, and perform testing on finished systems.

Outside Machinist

Outside Machinists install and test all the machinery which include the engines, shafting, and generators, pumps, propellers, rudders, as well as the ordnance equipment on the ship.

Pipefitter

Pipefitter apprentices install, inspect and test all shipboard piping systems. They learn the characteristics of steel, copper, copper-nickel and stainless steel pipe. Training typically starts in the pipe fabrication shop, with lessons in welding, burning, brazing, and configuring pipe, and culminates in the installation and testing of shipboard piping systems.

Planning Technician

Planning technician apprentices become proficient in the use of various computer systems that are used for planning and controlling work on various product lines. They will rotate through related work areas to become experienced in program planning and scheduling, work breakdown structure, operational planning and shop floor planning.

Shipfitter

Structural Fitter apprentices contribute to all structural phases of the ship’s hull construction, including fabrication, assembly and alignment of the ship structure. They typically build in-place all interior structures, hatches, doors, and bulkheads to complete the steel work of the ship.

Tinsmith

Tinsmith apprentices are responsible for the majority of the interior finish work on naval vessels. They utilize welding qualifications and trade theory to manipulate sheet metal to fabricate shipboard bunks, lockers, stowage bins, workbenches, furniture, bulkheads, ventilation, doors, ladders, and handrails.

Welder

Welding apprentices learn the full range of manual, semiautomatic and automatic welding processes in the shipyard. They use a wide range of metals and welding processes to perform structural and pipe welds in all phases of ship construction.

Get started

How to Apply

To be considered for the BIW Apprentice School, applicants must…

Meet the Requirements

Be at least 18 years of age at the time of hire
Have a high school education or equivalent (GED) at the time of hire
Write a cover letter
Demonstrate college readiness by submitting any and all transcripts for review by admissions.
Demonstrate college readiness in reading, writing and mathematics. College readiness is currently measured through the ACCUPLACER test administered through most community colleges. Information regarding the test is explained below.
Be able to meet the physical requirements of the job (e.g. able to use hand tools, pneumatic tools and able to wear a respirator)
Have competence with common PC-based software (Microsoft Office products, internet browser, etc.)
Have access to a computer, internet and common software outside of work for completing course assignments

Take the ACCUPLACER Test

The ACCUPLACER is a suite of computerized placement tests that provide information about your knowledge in Reading, Writing, English and Math. For more information regarding the ACCUPLACER and preparing for the test, go to https://www.smccme.edu/admissions-aid/testing-placement/

Most community colleges around the country offer the test. Please contact your local college for testing locations and hours. For those who are local to BIW, a popular location is SMCC’s Midcoast Campus located in Brunswick, ME. Appointments are suggested by contacting Vicki-Rose Porter via email at [email protected] or calling 207-844-2132.

Once you take the ACCUPLACER test, send a copy of your results to [email protected]

Apply Online

Applicants must submit an application online. Click the buttons below to see our open apprenticeship applications.

View Careers Portal

View Careers Portal for Current Employees

Apprentice Stories

Robert “Lincoln” Hull

Marine Electrician Apprentice

There aren’t many career opportunities like that of the BIW Apprentice School. Even a national search might discover only a handful of employers that combine rigorous STEM education, exposure to high-level cross-discipline business operations and craftsman quality training in a trade. At the end of the program, we fill the need for the most rare and sought after type of job applicant in the economy: that of the college graduate with actual work experience.

Read full story

Justin Gilbert

Outside Machinist Apprentice

Throughout my life, I’ve had to overcome multiple medical issues. They were life threatening, but I’ve always been able to persevere. Joining the BIW Apprentice School is like my comeback story and I’m glad I found it. It’s apparent that the company, and the program, value and believe in me. They want me to do big things and be successful here. With those expectations, it’s on me to prove myself and I’m up for the challenge.

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Scott Woodard

Marine Electrician Apprentice

As someone who previously had to choose between work and a college education, this program is an ideal fit. It not only allows me to provide for my family, but provides me with a higher education – something I always knew I needed. The results will be even better than a traditional degree with thousands of hours of relevant work experience paired with the degree. The Apprentice School at Bath Iron Works has significantly changed my outlook on life!

Read full story

Helping You Navigate

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to frequently asked questions here or send us an email.

Email BIW Apprentice School

How is the BIW Apprentice School different from a two- or four-year college?

The registered apprenticeship offered by the school is a full-time job. Apprentices are selected and hired into the program as vacancies occur. On-the-job training and trade theory courses in assigned shipbuilding disciplines begin immediately after hire. An apprentice’s work week is devoted to rigorous academic and trade theory course work and on-the-job training in shipbuilding trades. Academic course work begins within the first months of apprenticeship.

What shipbuilding trades are offered?

An apprentice is placed in a shipbuilding discipline selected during the application process and works in that trade for the duration of his or her apprenticeship.

Do apprentices graduate with a college degree?

All 8,000-hr. (approx. 4 years) apprentices graduate with an Associate’s of Science from Maine Maritime Academy, a Certificate of Apprenticeship from the State of Maine, and a diploma signifying graduation from the prestigious BIW Apprentice School.

Does the BIW Apprentice School accept transfer credit from an accredited two- or four-year college?

Transfer credit may be awarded for some courses based on official transcript grades from accredited post-secondary education institutions and on Math and English placement test results. Transfer credit is also considered based upon the course work requirements of individual disciplines.

If selected for an interview, what can I expect?

A typical employment interview lasts approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Copies of certifications, qualifications, resume, and letters of recommendation, while not required for the interview, are helpful. If the school chooses to extend an offer to an applicant, he or she can expect to receive an offer within 30 to 60 days after the interview. Start dates vary based on training schedules, but we typically have 1-2 per month. For more details, please speak with your recruiter.

How long does it take to complete an apprenticeship?

The typical apprenticeship is completed in four-years.

Are apprentice graduates required to work for Bath Iron Works after graduation?

While many Apprentice School alumni go on to enjoy lucrative and fulfilling careers with Bath Iron Works, continued employment with BIW after graduation is not required.