[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 106 (Monday, June 24, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E828]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  COMMEMORATING THE 100-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE APPRENTICE SCHOOL IN 
                         NEWPORT NEWS, VIRGINIA

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. ROBERT C. ``BOBBY'' SCOTT

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 24, 2019

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 
100th Anniversary of The Apprentice School in Newport News, Virginia, 
which was founded in 1919 at Newport News Shipbuilding.
  The Apprentice School has been continually recognized locally, 
regionally, nationally, and globally as an extraordinary apprentice 
program. It is a leading example of how apprentice programs have been 
redesigned to teach a wide array of skilled trades, while also offering 
an educational program rich in academic instruction, craft training, 
leadership, and extracurricular activities.
  In its 100 year history, the Apprentice School has graduated more 
than 10,800 apprentices, with approximately 800 young men and women 
currently enrolled in 28 different, four-, five-, and eight-year 
apprenticeship programs. The Apprentice School provides an academic 
curriculum that includes studies in Mathematics, Physics, Strength of 
Materials, Drafting, Marine Engineering, Shipbuilding Operations, and 
Technical Communications, among other disciplines, leading to a strong 
technical education foundation.
  The Apprentice School has contributed significantly to Newport News 
Shipbuilding's reputation, tradition and success, producing complex 
sea-faring vessels and passenger ships to nuclear submarines and 
aircraft carriers with the craftsmanship of highly skilled graduates.
  Representing 13 percent of Newport News Shipbuilding's total current 
workforce, graduates of The Apprentice School comprise 60 percent of 
today's general foremen and 45 percent of the production management 
team. More than 70 percent of graduates are still with the company 15 
years after graduation, and graduates are found at all levels of the 
organization, and all levels of management with more than 3,000 
graduates currently employed in more than 230 different occupations.
  To ensure that apprentices have many education and employment 
opportunities, The Apprentice School partners with local community 
colleges and universities to deliver the related academic component of 
these apprenticeships, which culminates in associate and bachelor's 
degrees. In addition, the school has established articulation 
agreements with 10 colleges and universities, providing a seamless 
transfer of credits and continuing education opportunities for 
graduates.
  The Apprentice School is accredited by the Commission of the Council 
on Occupational Education. Their apprenticeship programs are also 
recognized by and registered with the Virginia Apprenticeship Council, 
allowing apprentices the opportunity to earn college credit, receive 
competitive pay and benefits, learn a trade, and foster the development 
of craftsmanship, scholarship and leadership.
  Over its 100-year history, The Apprentice School at Newport News 
Shipbuilding has proven its commitment to establishing robust training 
and development programs intended to develop and leverage the full 
potential of the future workforce, and provide high-quality 
opportunities for its students and the community.
  Madam Speaker, The Apprentice School and Newport News Shipbuilding 
will gather for a celebration this weekend to commemorate this 
important milestone for the school. So as they look back on the last 
100 years, I know that The Apprentice School and its graduates will 
continue to make important contributions to our nation's shipbuilding 
industry over the next 100 years.

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