GENERAL INTEREST & TRADES APPRENTICE - NBB

About the role

Nichols Bros. Boat Builders (NBBB) has been building boats on beautiful Whidbey Island since 1964. Located in Freeland, WA, we produce state-of-the-art vessels including tugs, ferries, fire boats, fishing vessels, barges, dinner boats, and many other sophisticated ships. We are seeking candidates for Apprentice and Electrician In-Training opportunities in the following trades: Marine Pipefitters, Marine Painters, Machinery Assemblers, Production Welders, Ship Fitter/Fabricators, and Electricians.

NBBB’s Apprenticeship program develops a sustainable core workforce by combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction under the guidance of experienced journeymen and technical experts. The program provides structured opportunities to learn all phases of a selected craft, with assignments and training tracked to ensure competence. Classroom curriculum meets Washington State Department of Labor & Industries requirements and is typically held on site outside regular paid work hours. Classroom hours are unpaid and completed on the apprentice’s own time. A normal academic load is about three hours of classroom instruction per week. Apprentices must maintain a minimum cumulative average of 80% and complete all homework outside the normal workday; failure in any course results in removal from the program.

Responsibilities

Depending on the trade, apprentices will learn to build vessel structures, hull components, piping systems, machinery installations and alignments, and prepare surfaces for painting or structural welding. Responsibilities vary by trade; examples include:

• Marine Pipefitters: fabricate and install all piping systems on the ship.
• Ship Fitter/Fabricators: fabricate and install hull components, equipment foundations, and miscellaneous structural pieces.
• Welders: weld hulls, foundations, and miscellaneous ship components.

Common responsibilities across all apprenticeships include:

• Adhere to safe work practices and housekeeping procedures.
• Work effectively as a team member, adapting, interpreting, and problem solving.
• Communicate ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Perform other tasks as directed.

Once admitted to the apprenticeship, duties also include:

• Maintain regular attendance during classes and presentations.
• Demonstrate competence through practical exams at each step and successful completion of required coursework and tests.
• Record and track on-the-job training hours daily and have a journeyman sign off weekly.
• Submit a copy of the monthly hours tracking form to supervisors.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• At least 18 years of age at time of application.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work at heights up to 60 ft.
• Ability to enter confined spaces, use a respirator, and work in small spaces at odd angles.
• Basic mathematics skills and knowledge of basic hand and power tools.
• Willingness to learn the trade and attend required training, including 144–216 hours per year of classroom instruction during non-regular work hours (unpaid).
• Experience working around heavy machinery and as a member of a team.
• Successful completion of a craft-related technical training program or equivalent craft work experience.
• Ability to communicate well, take instructions, and work as part of a team.
• Interest in the selected trade through work experience, personal projects, interests, or hobbies.
• Commitment to self-development, quality, and attention to detail.
• Proof of US Person status.
• Willingness to submit to a drug screen and background check.
• No felony convictions for theft/deception, drug crimes, or violent crimes.
• Academic ability to succeed in the program and motivation to continuously improve knowledge and skills.
• Integrity to complete all assigned academic work independently.
• High degree of reliability in task accomplishment and timekeeping.