US Shipyards: Always on the Job Hunt
.Bob Merchent, CEO of Halter Marine in Pascagoula, Miss., said the need to strengthen and grow a skilled labor force for its U.S. Coast Guard Polar Security build program is “both a blessing and a challenge”. So, the shipyard created an apprenticeship program with the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College that provides on-the-job training, classroom training and a progressive wage increase as participants reach milestones. “We are off to a very good start,” Merchent said, noting 10 students are enrolled in each of the five craft labor disciplines (welding, ship fitting
Halter Marine Partners with Local College to Launch Apprenticeship Program
Pascagoula, Miss. shipbuilder Halter Marine is creating jobs, and through its partnership with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC), training the apprentices to fill them. The recently launched apprenticeship program is designed in three components: on-the-job training, classroom training and a progressive wage increase as participants reach set milestones. It offers training in the craft labor fields of welding, ship fitting, pipe fitting, pipe welding and electrical. With the exception of pipe welding, each of the apprenticeship programs is four years in length while pipe welding is
110 Graduate Ingalls Shipbuilding Apprentice School
Mississippi families stronger and more secure.”Since 1952, Ingalls’ Apprentice School has produced more than 5,000 graduates trained to fulfill the shipyard’s operational needs. The program offers a comprehensive two- to four-year curriculum, in partnership with the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, for students interested in shipbuilding careers.“As you go to work next week as an apprentice graduate, I would like to give you a challenge: Choose to make a difference,” said Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Cuccias. “Real leaders make the right decision
Class of ’17 Graduates Ingalls Apprentice Program
both in shipbuilding and in life.” Since 1952, Ingalls’ Apprentice School has produced nearly 5,000 graduates trained to fulfill the shipyard’s operational needs. The program offers a comprehensive two- to four-year curriculum, in partnership with the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, for students interested in shipbuilding careers. Rear Adm. William Galinis, the U.S. Navy’s program executive officer, ships, was the keynote speaker. “The Navy will soon look to Ingalls Shipbuilding—to you—to restore the USS Fitzgerald and return
Ingalls Names Nastasi Director of Communications
and public affairs. Prior to joining Ingalls, Nastasi served as the chief executive officer of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce and the executive director for the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce Foundation. She also served as an adjunct professor at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College for eight years. She earned a bachelor’s degree in speech communications and a master’s degree in communications from the University of Southern Mississippi. During her career, she has served as the chair for several prestigious boards, including the 2016 winter
McIngvale to Lead Ingalls Communications, Public Affairs
the University of Mississippi in 1976. McIngvale serves as vice president of the board of directors of the Mississippi World Trade Center. He also serves on the board of governors of the Mississippi Economic Council, and he represents Jackson County on the board of trustees of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. In October, he will be named chairman of the board of the Mississippi Manufacturers Association. In 2012, McIngvale was appointed by Gov. Phil Bryant as a commissioner of Go Coast 2020, charged with defining how key priorities and leveraged resources can help overcome challenges
Mississippi Governor Visits Ingalls Shipbuilding
Governor Bryant taking the time to visit today to see firsthand how Mississippi investments and resources are being applied in developing our future workforce," said Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Cuccias. "Our continued partnerships with the State of Mississippi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College are providing real career opportunities for local students to learn shipbuilding skills through our apprenticeship program. This program is the lifeblood of our shipyard."
Ingalls Donates to MGCCC’s Transitions Academy
Huntington Ingalls Industries' (HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division has donated $53,640 to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) for the purchase of welding machines to be used at the school's new Transitions Academy. The academy will be housed at MGCCC's West Harrison County Center in Long Beach, Miss. "Ingalls Shipbuilding and MGCCC have a longstanding partnership in workforce development and training," said Brian Cuccias, Ingalls Shipbuilding president. "This donation solidifies our commitment to continuing this partnership and the ultimate goal of growing the number of
