CBMM has had a two-year apprenticeship program in place since 2001, with more than 50 graduates to date. Now, CBMM will offer a formal four-year apprentice certification, developed in line with U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration standards, and registered with the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program, a division of Maryland DLLR’s Workforce Development and Adult Learning.
According to Maryland DLLR, registered apprenticeships are jobs where workers “earn and learn.” While working on the job, employees receive one-on-one full-time training from a skilled craftsperson as well as related instruction. An apprentice is sponsored by an employer or association, and is paid according to a progressive pay scale.
“Everyone on the Shipyard leadership team has gone through CBMM’s apprentice program,” commented CBMM Shipyard Manager Michael Gorman. “Our new curriculum is very well-defined, with well-rounded experiences for our apprentices.”
CBMM’s four-year Shipwright Apprentice Program covers 8,000 hours of real work experiences, including instruction and training on joinery techniques, ship layout, ship repair and construction, as well as leadership and management skill development.
The program extends CBMM’s education programming—which spans Pre-K through adult learning opportunities—into certified workforce training.
“We’re very excited to extend our apprenticeship program in this meaningful way,” said CBMM President Kristen Greenaway. “While the public may not see this move as typical for a “museum,” investing in the shipwright craft is a top priority for CBMM, and having a certified workforce training program furthers our expanding investment in the Eastern Shore and Maryland for generations to come.”
High school graduates participating in CBMM’s Rising Tide boatbuilding program will also be eligible to enroll in the new shipwright apprentice program. Rising Tide offers students in grades six to twelve free boatbuilding classes and related skills, workshops, camps, and events throughout the school year and summer, and is funded by philanthropic support.
To inquire about a shipwright apprenticeship or to learn more about the program, go to cbmm.org, email hr@cbmm.org, or call 410-745-4985.
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~ Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum