Shipfitter Apprenticeship
Join our team as a Shipfitter Apprentice and gain hands-on experience while working toward journeyman certification through a U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program. This structured, paid training opportunity combines classroom instruction with on-the-job learning to prepare you for a skilled career in ship fitting and marine fabrication.
Program Details
- Program Duration: 22 months
- Education: Tuition covered for students enrolled in the Lamar University Shipfitting Program.
- Tools & Equipment: Toolboxes and tools provided by Lamar University and Gulf Copper.
Training Schedule
- On-the-job Training:
- Monday - Thursday, 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM
- Friday & Saturday, 6:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- (16 hours per week)
- Classroom Instruction:
- Monday - Thursday, 12:30pm - 4:30pm
- Pay Progression (On-The-Job Training)
- 1st - 2nd Semester: $15/hr.
- 3rd - 4th Semester: $17/hr.
- 5th - 6th Semester: $19/hr.
*Note this opportunity is ONLY for students enrolled in Lamar University Shipfitting Program.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
This position is responsible for the following: Other duties may be assigned.
- Assist in the layout, fitting, and assembly of metal parts for ships and marine vessels.
- Read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.
- Use hand tools, torches, grinders, and welding equipment.
- Performing various support tasks such as cutting, brazing, washing, and grinding as needed.
- Progress through apprenticeship tiers with increasing skill responsibilities.
Required Education & Experience:
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Prior experience in construction/shipyard as fitter or similar is preferred but not required.
Working Conditions:
- Open-air conditions such as noisy, hot, cold, etc.
- Must wear hearing, eye, and head protection.
- Some climbing (100 feet or higher) and lifting (50 lbs.) involved.
- Working with hot and sometimes hazardous materials.
- Traverse gangways and scaffolding at varying heights.
- Confined spaces.
Necessary Equipment Operation:
- Cutting Torch
- Squares
- Levels
- Hand and Power Tools
Special Skills:
- Ability to work under time and schedule pressures.
- Perform basic mathematical functions.
- Tack welding.
Skills Required
- High School Diploma or GED
- Prior experience in construction/shipyard as fitter or similar
What We Do
Founded in 1948, Gulf Copper & Manufacturing Corporation, an employee-owned company, repairs and refurbishes marine vessels and offshore rigs and fabricates ancillary components. The company operates strategically located shipyards, drydocks and fabrication facilities along the U.S. Gulf Coast. Gulf Copper serves the oil and gas, marine transportation, refining, petrochemical markets in addition to the United States government.
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