Thousands expected to apply at shipyard

Advertiser Staff

Honolulu Community College is expecting upward of 2,000 people tomorrow at its Sand Island marine center when the Pearl Harbor Shipyard takes applications for its sought-after apprenticeships.

The shipyard job fair runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the HCC Marine Education & Training Center, 10 Sand Island Access Road.

"There's a huge excess of people retiring in the next five or 10 years," said Jeannie Shaw, HCC cooperative education coordinator for the apprenticeship program, "so these apprentices can move around. They can call their own ticket."

Shaw expects applications for the 125 positions to exceed the 3,500 received last year. An equal number of apprenticeships is being offered again this year.

"Last year, close to 2,000 showed up and we're expecting a little more, because of the economy more than the war," said Shaw. In addition to those who showed up at the job fair, about 1,500 others sent in applications.

The apprenticeships are attractive because those chosen "get paid, on-the-job training, with benefits," she said.

To be among the finalists, applicants must pass the Asset Test, which covers the equivalent of first-year college English and first-year college technical math. The tests will be run beginning May 19.

Last year, 415 applicants placed among the finalists. Of that number, 125 landed the apprenticeships, which are fully-paid $15-an-hour positions guaranteed for four years. Students learn a shipyard trade and become journeymen at graduation.

HCC is offering workshops to prepare applicants for the test. The first section is scheduled from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 7 and 9 and April 14 and 16. The second section is on April 22 and 24 and April 29 and May 1.

There will also be two sections offered on Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on April 19 and 26 and May 10 and 17.

The workshops are $80 for the eight-hour sessions. Call HCC Continuing Education at 845-9296 to enroll or for more information.