Shipyard job fair draws 2,000
By Will Hoover
Advertiser Staff Writer
Kathy Malo of Pearl City was one of a throng of more than 2,000 who flocked to the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard Job Fair yesterday to apply for 100 apprentice positions.
Rebecca Breyer • The Honolulu Advertiser
The annual job fair at the Honolulu Community College Marine Education Training Center on Sand Island traditionally draws huge crowds, but Malo was startled by the number of applicants for the four-year apprentice program.
'Aiea High School seniors Marc Sato, 18, left, and Damri Uyehara, 19, examined a ship's hull mock-up at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard Job Fair on Sand Island yesterday. The mock-up shows a typical method of ship repair. More than 2,000 people showed up to apply for 100 apprentice positions with a starting pay of $15 or more an hour.
"I was surprised to see so many people — a lot of them women, too," confessed Malo, 37. "At first I thought, 'Do I want to stand in that long line?' But it moved pretty fast."
The shipyard handles everything from aircraft carriers to tugboats, employs 4,400 workers and is the state's largest industrial employer.
The attraction yesterday was an opportunity to win a coveted apprenticeship — no experience necessary — with starting pay of $15 or more an hour, and at the same time, a chance to earn a government-sponsored associate degree in applied trades from Honolulu Community College.
The lucky 100 will get an education while working alongside journeymen. If their performance is adequate, they get a raise every six months.
"They are drawing pay while sitting in a classroom and doing on-the-job training," said Jason Holm, shipyard public affairs officer. "They're learning a trade and having a direct pipeline into a stable work environment."
Along with others, Malo took notes before an easel that listed the 100 trade positions available, which included such titles as riggers, shipwrights and pipe fitters.
Edward Baratti, with the Hawai'i Federal Employees Metal Trades Council, which represents 13 trade unions at the shipyard, was there to answer questions.
"Mainly, people are asking what these trades do," Baratti said. "For instance, I'm a shipwright. Well, nobody knows what that is. Basically, it's a ship's carpenter."
He said many veteran workers have retired in recent years and that trend will continue over the next decade. That explains the focus on hiring apprentices.
"We just released 107 workers yesterday," said Ben Toyama, western vice president for the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers. Toyama said the apprentice program was discontinued in 1995 as the shipyard work force was scaled back. But as more workers began reaching retirement age, the program was reinstated in 1999.
"Like most old-time industries, we're going to lose this skilled work force as the baby boomers start to retire," said Toyama. "We're trying to increase the number of our younger workers."
Most applicants yesterday were aware that being chosen is a long shot. To be considered, applicants must pass a series of English and math tests beginning on May 17. Those who get beyond that hurdle go through a personal interview, physical exam and background security-clearance check.
"It's a very difficult screening process," said Navy Capt. Frank Camelio, shipyard commander. "It's highly competitive. We're looking for the best and the brightest."
Darin Hedemark, 38, of 'Ewa Beach, who was looking to get one of 20 available pipe fitter positions, figured his chances were as good as anyone's.
"It should be an equal opportunity for anybody," he said.
Serina Santamonica, who was among the shipyard workers who operated trade information booths throughout the job fair, agreed with Hedemark.
Last year she was one of the thousands who filled out an application for one of 100 apprentice openings. She too thought the odds were daunting.
"But I thought, 'I guess I'll try.' "
Nine months later, she left her job in the accounting department of a local tire outlet. Two weeks after that she was earning $15.31 an hour as an apprentice welder at the shipyard.
Today, Santamonica is in the first year of her welder's apprentice program at the shipyard.
"The hardest part was all the waiting," she said. "But I never gave up hope. Somebody's got to get in. But I do feel privileged for the opportunity."
Reach Will Hoover at 525-8038 or at whoover@honoluluadvertiser.com.
