Shipbuilding Apprentices Move Up, Start Work at Ingalls

Nearly 300 new Ingalls Shipbuilding employees receive a right royal welcome into the workforce.

The new employees were welcomed by Governor Phil Bryant, Ingalls Shipbuilding President Irwin Edenzon and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College President Mary Graham during an apprentice graduation ceremony at the Biloxi Civic Center.

The 295 graduates trained at Ingalls' Pascagoula, Gulfport and Avondale facilities as well as at area community colleges.

"You've overcome challenges, met your commitments, and persevered," Edenzon said. "This is an impressive achievement you should be proud of, and I'm very proud of you."

Edenzon said the graduates are laying the groundwork to build not only Ingalls' future -- Pascagoula needs up to 2,000 new workers for the shipyard in the next 12 months -- but their own. He continued, "As an apprentice graduate, you've decided to take ownership of your career, you've proven that you know how to work hard ... and you've built a solid foundation to achieve your career goals."