Apprentice Stories

Justin Gilbert

Outside Machinist Apprentice

I joined the BIW Apprentice School because people told me it was difficult. I knew that the rewards are well worth the sacrifice of having the BIW Apprenticeship in your portfolio. It can take you far not just within this company, but others as well. I have learned that life is all about challenges. I undertook this particular challenge because of the opportunity to further both my education and technical knowledge simultaneously. It was just too great of an opportunity to pass up. Every day I strive to take what I gain from the apprenticeship and push myself as hard as I can. I really love it at BIW, and I see myself having a successful career and life.

Perseverance is a very important character trait when it comes to building ships for the US Navy and a trait that is promoted throughout the apprentice program. Personally, it’s a word I keep on a whiteboard at home to this day. 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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