Carpenters in the shipbuilding environment are responsible for scaffold erection and removal; providing temporary flooring of ship’s compartments and suspended platforms; installing permanent and temporary ladders and handrails; laying out ship’s names, numbers, and draft marks; measuring and cutting blocks and building cradles for ship shoring; installing sound dampening and ballasting material; building crates for shipping equipment back to the vendors and various detailed carpentry shop work.

Electricians master the techniques involved in the layout, installation, hookup and testing of every electrical system aboard ship. As today’s modern warship becomes more dependent upon its technological infrastructure, the skill and expertise of the electricians tasked with its construction is of vital importance.

Inside Machinists are skilled in operating the different machines and tools used in a typical machine shop. They learn to read precision instruments such as micrometers, calipers, and indicators. The inside machine shop equipment includes: lathes, drill presses, shapers, milling machines, grinding machines, boring mills, and portable tools used on a bench or floor area. The inside machinist is taught the basic principles of each machine and masters the techniques for cutting tools, adjustments, measurements, speeds, feeds and how to apply them in each process. In addition, the inside machinist will learn how to operate a computer numerical control machine known as the CNC machine.

Insulators begin their careers with the Ingalls family in the pipe insulator apprentice program mastering proper insulating techniques for different types of pipe and ventilation systems aboard ships.

Joiners Joiners are skilled craftsmen who working with their hands. Joiner apprentices master the techniques required to install furniture, join bulkheads, and finish the living quarters on the naval vessels.

Outside Outside Machinists are skilled in the installation of propulsion machinery, sea valves, steering gear, anchor handling equipment, elevators, pumps, ventilation fans, cooling coils, refrigeration units, compressors, weapons systems, remote operators, radars and antennas. In the process of installing this equipment, experience is gained in the use of math, blueprints, precision tooling, and portable machine tools. Outside machinists also become familiar with the procedures for precision line boring, precision alignment of machinery, bearing fitting, machinery assembly, surface machining, precision reaming, and machinery and weapons testing.

Painters are trained as experts in the painting processes, from proper preparation techniques to the ever-changing weather conditions such as dew points and relative humidity.

Pipe Welders in the marine industry are widely considered “masters of the craft.” Pipe welders in shipbuilding are required to weld more types of metal in more types of positions than any other pipe welders. Pipe welders work in all phases of ship construction. Pipe welder apprentices are trained in the fundamental skills of blueprint reading, burning and welding. Pipe welders become certified with the U.S. Navy to use the SMAW (stick welding) and GTAW (tig welding) processes for various types of material. Ingalls pipe welders are required to become expert “mirror welders.”

Pipefitters perform some of the most precise work in the shipbuilding industry due to the large amount of piping required to be installed in a limited amount of space aboard naval vessels. Pipefitters work in all phases of ship construction and must install many complex piping systems. Pipefitters are trained in the fundamental skills and techniques of piping fabrication, installation, inspection and testing. Pipefitters also become expert blueprint readers. Piping is to the ship as veins are to the body and without pipe the ship cannot function.

Quality Inspectors examine products and materials for defects or deviations from specifications. Their job tasks involve reading blueprints and specifications, monitoring operations to ensure that they meet production standards, recommending adjustments to the production process, accepting or rejecting finished items and discussing inspection results with those responsible for products.

Riggers in the shipbuilding environment are responsible for the lifting and moving of heavy and bulky objects, whether aboard ships or around the shipyard. They must develop a working knowledge of selecting and using the various rigging hardware, such as ropes, slings, shackles, clamps, chain falls, and come-a-longs. The rigger apprentice is trained on the proper hand signals involved in heavy lifts. Riggers must also be able to calculate the weight factors and angles used in the proper lifting and transferring of those heavy loads. They are responsible for installing the safety nets, anchor chains, elevator cables, and mooring ropes onboard the ships and for line handling of the cables and ropes when docking or undocking the ships.

Sheetmetal workers are essential to the shipbuilding team. The sheetmetal apprentice explores the trade of ventilation and air conditioner systems consisting of fabricating air ducts, and using various gauges of steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.

Welders learn proper welding procedures, processes and how to prepare various types of AC and DC electric arc welding equipment.