2026 Design Apprenticeship

BIW APPRENTICE SCHOOL ADMISSIONS 

Apprenticeship is an educational and career opportunity unlike any other - Earn while you learn! We offer high quality, comprehensive apprenticeship opportunities for highly motivated students interested in getting a college degree while launching their shipbuilding career (https://gdbiw.com/careers/apprenticeship-programs/).  
  
THIS POSTING IS FOR AN 8,000-HOUR (APPROXIMATELY FOUR-YEAR) DESIGN APPRENTICESHIP THAT COMBINES HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE WITH RIGOROUS COLLEGE COURSEWORK. THROUGHOUT THE PROGRAM, APPRENTICES WILL BUILD THEIR SKILLS WITHIN A DEDICATED DISCIPLINE, HULL, STRUCTURAL, MECHANICAL, PIPE, VENT, OR ELECTRICAL, GAINING DEEP EXPERTISE WHILE CONTRIBUTING TO REAL-WORLD PROJECTS. 

Job Description

The Apprenticeship is a first shift position. Perform marine design activities that include, but are not limited to: 

• Perform marine design activities that include, but are not limited to, 2D and/or 3D modeling & visualization. 
• Resolution of design-related problems encountered during ship construction that may involve occasional ship-checking. 
• Development of ship alteration drawings for repair/alteration of ships in the fleet. 
• Electronic drafting of installation & fabrication drawings. 
• Extraction of computer aided manufacturing data.  
• Travel to main yard waterfront, fabrication facilities, or homeports outside of Maine.  

• Be at least 18 years of age at the time of hire. 
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED) at the time of hire. 
• Good computer skills (e.g., proficiency with Microsoft Office tools). 
• Have access to computer, internet, and common software outside of work for completing course assignments. 
• Submit official transcripts from all high schools and colleges attended. 
• Submit and demonstrate college readiness in reading, writing, and mathematics through taking the ACCUPLACER test at your local community college. 
  •  After submitting the initial on-line application, further communication/emails will direct the applicant regarding how to take the ACCUPLACER and submit documents.  The admissions staff reviews applications only after receiving all documentation. 

Disqualifications:  

This is an entry-level position. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree or higher may be considered overqualified depending on their field of study and may not be selected for this role. 

Required: 

• Ability to read, interpret, and follow technical procedures, standards, and work instructions. 
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in a team environment. 

Preferred: 

• Working knowledge of AutoCAD and or CATIA. 
• Ability to perform ship checks through visits to the physical construction products on the waterfront or in fabrication facilities, as well as ability to travel to ship homeports on occasion. 
• Knowledge in computer aided manufacturing data - CAD/CAM, MasterCAM, 5Axis, G-Code. 
• Experience with installation and fabrication drawings is highly desirable. 
• Credit may be given for graphic arts or CIS experience. 

Completion of SMCC Workforce Marine Design Training Program Preferred https://startsmart.smccme.edu/short-term-training-smcc-plp-may-2021/#career