Whittier Tech Students Attend Networking Event, Learn About Job Opportunities at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
Whittier Tech's Collision Repair Parking lot was converted into an open-air career fair to allow students to connect with professionals from the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. (Photo Courtesy Whittier Tech)
Superintendent Maureen Lynch is pleased to announce that Whittier Tech students got a glimpse of what it is like working at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNS) at a networking event earlier this month.
On Thursday, May 5, almost 500 students connected with professionals from PNS in the Whittier Tech Collision Repair Parking lot, which was converted into an open-air career fair.
“Students discovered the many career possibilities offered by the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. The Shipyard opportunities dovetail perfectly with the employability skills our graduates leave with. Being the Construction Cluster school counselor, it was exciting to see my students engaged with the employees from the shipyard, especially some of our Whittier alumni," Guidance Counselor Rachael Rossi said.
Students explored demonstrations put on by PNS representatives, which featured cutting-edge technology and industry skills used in students' career pathways.
“Having the Shipyard come to the school and share all the different job opportunities was great," said student David Smith, a junior from Amesbury studying HVAC. "The AC/R shop and employees shared the great benefits of working for the Yard as well as common skills I already have from being in the HVAC shop at Whittier. It’s one of the reasons I came to Whittier Tech, to find career pathways into the industry.”
PNS demonstration topics included: A/C & Refrigeration; Composites and Plastic Fabricator; Crane Maintenance, Electrician/Electronics, Fabric Worker, Insulator; Machinery Mechanic; Machinist; Non-Destructive Tester; Painter/Abrasive Blasting; Pipefitting; Rigger; Scientist/Engineer; Sheet Metal Mechanic; Shipfitter/Ironworker; Shipwright; and Welder.
"When I found out that we would be partnering with Whittier I knew I had to volunteer to come back. It’s great to reconnect with adults and share my experiences with the next generation of Whittier students. The Shipyard is an excellent employer for industry pathways because I have room to grow and great benefits,” said Whittier Tech Electrical Alumni Chris Sanborn, who is employed at PNS's Motor Shop 950.
The event was organized by Engineering instructor Jaylene dos Santos and PNS’s STEM Outreach Coordinator Libby Hite.
“This was a great way for Whittier Tech students to see how their career skills can support their futures in the industry," Vocational Coordinator Paul Moskevitz said. "We hope to bring this experience back next year. The Shipyard is a local employer with a variety of careers that fit many of our vocational-technical areas. We are excited to partner with companies that promote career technical excellence.”
Whittier Tech wishes to thank PNS for bringing a tour of the Shipyard to Whittier Tech.
About Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard employs a civilian workforce of top-tier professionals to safely overhaul, repair, and modernize the U.S. Navy's nuclear-powered attack submarine fleet, specifically Los Angeles and Virginia-class submarines. PNS provides quality overhaul work in a safe, timely, and affordable manner. This includes a full spectrum of in-house support-from engineering services and production shops, to unique capabilities and facilities, to off-site support-all of which serves the multifaceted assortment of fleet requirements.
Almost 500 students connected with representatives from the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard exploring demonstrations put on by PNS. (Photo Courtesy Whittier Tech)