The Apprentice School - Binnacle Yearbook (Newport News, VA)

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in him and help him along, he was indeed fortunate, as many of the mechanics were reluctant to pass on to an apprentice any real knowledge known as “trade secrets.’’ This early training was supplanted by academic work in night schools for which the apprentice received no pay, but in 1912a day school was organized within the bounds of the Company, and by 1925 the apprentice was under full time instruction both in the shops and in the classrooms. When Mr. Iiomer L. Ferguson took over the general management of the Shipyard, he realized that the best mechanics were growing old. He realized that it takes craftsmen to build good ships, and if these craftsmen were not available, it was necessary to train them; therefore he searched for a better way of training men. He found an answer to his problem in a young engineer who had had previous admin- istrative training in the secondary schools of Virginia, G. Guy Via, the present Supervisor of Training. Mr. Via in turn sought the counsel and backing of other men, chief among whom were Charles F. Bailey, then Engineer- ing Director, and Edward J. Robeson, Jr., Personnel Manager. With only an educational compass and Ins destination in mind, he began the tedious procedure of plotting a course of training which would take into consideration everything necessary in the planning and building ol good ships. Approximately fifty first-class mechanics taken from this enterprise were employed as instructors to train these young men in every phase of their vocation, each instructor keep- ing his own record of the individual and noting any special talent or qualifications he might have. Many times it is found that a student will make a good supervisor because of his complete understanding of the work, but, lacking in muscular co-ordination, he would undoubtedly be a failure as a mechanic. Seventeen trades are offered in the Appren- tice School, namely : Anglesmith, Blacksmith, Boilermaker, Coppersmith, Electrician, Joiner, Machinist, Millwright, Molder, Painter and Decorator, Patternmaker, Plumber, Ship Rig- ger, Sheet Metal, Ship Carpenter, Ship Fitter, and Shipwright. Each of these courses is ol four years’ duration, and the training given is intended to cover thoroughly every phase of the craft. .Mechanical Drawing Class, Apprentice School — 1927 Apprentice Drawing Room under S. I . .McFall, I . II a her, and F. Zelle — 1958

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Original group oj Apprentice Instructors, 1950 Located within the plant, and serving as an integral part of apprentice training tor the Company, the Apprentice School has an en- rollment of more than 850 students. It is not connected in any way with the Navy or other governmental agencies; it is operated entirely by the Company. The first person to complete his apprentice- ship with this Company was Norwood Jones, who received his certificate as a machinist on April 4, 1894. Since then many capable craftsmen have been graduated and are hold- ing responsible positions in this and other companies. In the early days, apprentices received their training the best way they could by watching the master craftsmen at work. It a boy was placed with a man who would take an interest Workmen tearing sluggard. — World War I

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Frank . . Dobson, being greeted by G. Guy Via and S. A. Hickey on his arrival, in 1940, to take charge oj the Apprentice athletic program Another division of the apprentice educa- tional system is the Drawing School. This is composed of boys who have excelled in their work, sch olastically and in the shops. If a student accepts a call to the Drawing School, he must serve a minimum of five years, in- stead of the usual four. After twelve months in the Drawing School, he is transferred to the regular drawing rooms, either Piping, Machinery, Electrical or Hull. Beginning each September, a nine-month school year is offered, which the student must attend for a period of three years. In this time he is given courses in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, English, Industrial Economics, Mechanical Drawing, and Shipbuilding. If a student is to be accepted into the Apprentice School, he must be between the ages of seventeen and twenty-one and possess a high school education with full credit in Algebra and Geometry. He must have main- tained a “C” average or better during his high school career, and his physique should be suitable for his chosen vocation. He must not have attended an institution of higher learn- ing, and must bear a good reputation in his community. As all others employed in the Company, he must pass a complete physical examination. This school has risen to be one of the great- est assets to the City of Newport News and the State of Virginia. Graduates are looked on with high respect, and their working quali- fications have been recognized throughout the nation. Air. Via, the Supervisor of Training, has rounded out an institution that has benefited and will continue to benefit mankind by his teaching of a simple lesson about the “head, hand, and heart” — the head to think, the hand to do, and the heart to keep one upright in his dealings with fellow-workmen. Apprentice Athletic Building; built in 1955, Jormally opened December 29, 1955 Football Team, 1925 — F. J. Robeson, Coach; R. I. Patterson, Assistant Coach • 12 •