Gulf Ship hosts apprenticeship signing ceremony

Gulf Ship and Gulfport Marine Service celebrated the official launch of a new apprenticeship program that has been certified by the Department of Labor.

More than 70 employees at Gulf Ship signed an agreement that marked the start of Gulf Ship’s new Department of Labor approved apprenticeship program.

The program will cover workers across four separate trades, including welding, ship fitting, pipe fitting, and electrical.

Successful participants will be offered opportunities to advance their responsibilities and compensation.

A video presentation from Governor Tate Reeves was shown, followed by speeches from U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, U.S. Representative Mike Ezell, and Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes. Mayor Hewes said, “The more people recognize there are more opportunities in South Mississippi and that you can find what you’re looking for in Gulfport, that’s a big win. For all of us that want to find and establish a future here, that live, work, and play, this is the place.”

Rep. Mike Ezell said, “This is going to be one more thing to help Mississippi’s economy, help our Gulf Coast and be able to fly in last night and be a part of this is just a wonderful thing.”

A tour of the ship yard was also given to Wicker and Ezell after the ceremony.