The Apprentice School
| Question | Answer |
| 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. |
| 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. |