Shipfitters
Carpenters of Steel
As a shipfitter, you’ll fabricate, assemble and install components that form the structural body of an aircraft carrier or submarine. You will work from written instructions and digital drawings to ensure hull sections, bulkheads, decks and other structural areas of the ship are properly aligned and secured.
What You'll Do
Fabricate, assemble and install components.
Work from written instructions and digital drawings.
Collaborate with other trades to complete projects.
Help build the most powerful ships in the world.
Discover What it's Like to be a Shipfitter
Voices from the Yard
“My biggest piece of advice is always ask questions if you’re working with anybody who has a drawing. Before your shift is over, be willing to try that task yourself along with that person beside you. I thank all of my mentors who pushed me.”
Howard Jones II
Shipfitter
“As a shipfitter, we grind, cut, burn, sand – we are a versatile group. There’s something new every day.”
Jaylen McKenzie
Shipfitter
“This is a fun trade. I cut a piece out, fit it together and tack it in. Then I can take a step back and feel pride that I did that – it’s like Legos for adults, just a much larger scale. It’s real rewarding to get to that point.”
Ethan Collins
Shipfitter
“I get to build ships for the Navy. Someday, one of my grandkids might be on one of these ships.”
Archie Bryant
Shipfitter
“My biggest piece of advice is always ask questions if you’re working with anybody who has a drawing. Before your shift is over, be willing to try that task yourself along with that person beside you. I thank all of my mentors who pushed me.”
Howard Jones II
Shipfitter
“As a shipfitter, we grind, cut, burn, sand – we are a versatile group. There’s something new every day.”
Jaylen McKenzie
Shipfitter
“This is a fun trade. I cut a piece out, fit it together and tack it in. Then I can take a step back and feel pride that I did that – it’s like Legos for adults, just a much larger scale. It’s real rewarding to get to that point.”
Ethan Collins
Shipfitter
“I get to build ships for the Navy. Someday, one of my grandkids might be on one of these ships.”
Archie Bryant
Shipfitter
Shipbuilders in Action
