Apprenticeship Cohort #5 Completes Weld School, Moves to Active Production
July 26, 2022
On July 21, Philly Shipyard Apprenticeship Cohort #5 marked the completion of its 12-week Weld School program at the Charles W. Jones Memorial Training Academy. Each individual’s training launched on May 2, and the class is on track to graduate the apprenticeship program in May 2025.
This class will be heading out into the energetic surroundings of Production for the remaining three years of the program. Since the reinstitution of the Philly Shipyard, Inc. (PSI) Apprenticeship Program in May 2021, this is the fifth group to complete Weld School.
We are pleased to recognize apprentices Cooper Otto, Dave Richardson, and Christopher Oakes for Perfect Attendance since arriving at Philly Shipyard, showcasing their dedication and resolve in a demanding environment.
Throughout the 12-week program, each apprentice earned multiple certifications while also obtaining notable safety records. All 11 Weld School graduates have successfully tested for and received certifications in Outfitting and Shipbuilding. But, we would like to recognize three standouts – Dustin Burton, Ben Pieri, and Cooper Otto – who were able to acquire a third or fourth certification.
In addition to designations above, Dustin Burton received his Welder certification. Dustin initially joined PSI through PIDC’s Navy Yard Skills Initiative (NYSI) which partnered with the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI) to create and recruit for the Shipyard Laborer Program in August 2021. Dustin had no previous welding experience and was formerly reporting to Shawn James in Material Control before joining the Training Academy.
Ben Pieri was able to collect certifications for Welder and Stainless Steel. Ben is our first apprentice hailing from Carbon Career & Technical Institute (CCTI) in Jim Thorpe, PA. Earlier this year, PSI was able to host a group of students from CCTI for a shipyard tour. We look forward to a growing relationship with CCTI and prospective apprentices in the Pocono and Lehigh Valley regions!
Cooper Otto also earned his certifications for Welder and Stainless Steel. Cooper came to PSI with previous welding experience from Delaware Technical Community College (Delaware Tech). As with CCTI, PSI is eagerly anticipating more apprentices to join from Delaware Tech!
In April 2021, PSI received $720,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Maritime Administration (MARAD) through its Small Shipyard Grant Program to assist in the resumption of the comprehensive three-year apprentice training program.
The Autumn 2022 Apprenticeship Application Window will open on Monday, August 8 with a deadline of Friday, September 2. Those accepted will begin in late October/early November.
More information will be available in the coming weeks on our social channels and Apprenticeship Program webpage.