Giants of Skilled Trades: Shawn Jenkins, Philly Shipyard
Shawn Jenkins is a dedicated Technical Instructor at the Philly Shipyard Training Academy, playing a pivotal role in training and supporting the upcoming generation of shipbuilders. His mission is to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary not only to excel in their roles, but to advance the industry as a whole. He is a passionate advocate for skilled trades, ensuring quality work remains the standard in the field.
His dedication is personal, as his story started much the same way as those he works with today. In 2012, Jenkins joined the Philly Shipyard Apprenticeship Program with no prior experience. Twelve years on, his journey has included career growth, significant milestones, and personal successes. Starting as an apprentice and working through multiple roles include journeyman, machine operator, and production supervisor, Jenkins is a prime example of how hard work and determination can transform and ignite a career.
Jenkins is at the forefront of a changing industry. With goals of increasing inclusivity, diversity, and a sense of belonging amongst industry professionals, he is excited to help lead the charge in moving the shipbuilding industry forward. Jenkins finds fulfilment in his role by watching new apprentices grow and succeed, just like he did when he first started.
Jenkins shared much more about his journey and his perspective on the skilled trades.
What drew you to the Philly Shipyard Apprentice Program? Did you always have a passion for shipbuilding or skilled trades?
I had a friend who was employed by the shipyard and had told me about the program. He told me about it and what it offered apprentices, spoke highly of it, and encouraged me to apply. I didn’t know anything about shipbuilding when I first started, but the Philly Shipyard Apprentice Program taught me everything I needed to know to get started and fully immerse myself in the industry. I had previously held a job as a laborer so that gave me some leverage, but I credit the Apprentice Program for my primary sense of training and knowledge. Looking back, I am happy he presented that opportunity because I have been with the company for 12 years now.
How has your journey at Philly Shipyard evolved from starting as an apprentice to becoming a Technical Instructor? What key insights, skills, and experiences have you gained along the way? How have they shaped your career?
It has truly been a journey. Coming in with little-to-no experience, I went from needing help as a student/apprentice to becoming an instructor, doing the very thing that others had done for me. Supervisory and leadership training have taught me skills that have helped me to become a well-rounded shipbuilder and leader. Through those experiences, I have learned and now know a lot about the various phases of production it takes to construct a ship/vessel. And thankfully at Philly Shipyard, our diverse catalog of work has helped add to my experience and allows me to pass that along to our apprentices.
Is there a particular project or achievement at the shipyard that stands out as memorable or significant?
When I first started, I initially put a lot of pressure on myself to become a multi-skilled welder, to train and get the approvals to have that under my belt. When I finally completed the process, I was ecstatic because it signified that I was capable of doing any and all structural welds at the yard. It made me realize the work I was doing was even more valuable, not only to me but to the company. Obtaining the status of a multi-skilled welder let me know how far I have come from that first starting point. At that point I proved to myself that I could do something that sets me apart from others and that I could push my own limits to become better.
You’ve gone from trainee to trainer in the same program. What does your current role bringing up the next generation of shipbuilders mean to you personally? What do you enjoy most about being hands-on in apprentices’ education?
As a leader, it gives me a sense of accomplishment to train up the next generation of shipbuilders who will continue to move the industry forward. In doing so, I also support the mission to keep the trade alive and ensuring quality in the field. That is what I enjoy most - working with apprentices. I get to watch them come in, and most reflect the same experience I had. They’re new to the industry, unsure and timid of their capabilities. I get to coach them through the program, then help and watch as they earn multiple credentials and progress to becoming more confident and optimistic in their work while also moving to the next level and phase of the program. I get to be a part of their success and offer myself as a resource to them all as well as a real-life example of the program outcomes.
What is one piece of advice you got as a trainee that helped you in your skilled trades career? And what do you tell your trainees to help them?
Nothing works but the work. It’s the idea that you're only going to get better if you put in the work to be better. If you’re not satisfied with the product in front of you, then there is something more or different you must do to get it to the results you want. Someone told me this when I was an apprentice and I pass this same message along to my trainees. I work with them when assessing their work and if they’re not satisfied with it, we work to make it better.
In your view, what qualities are essential for someone to succeed in the shipbuilding industry?
I believe the best industry workers have and need patience, organization, critical thinking, and time management skills. These are things that I have learned and practice in my work, and it works well for me.
How have you seen the shipbuilding industry evolve since you started? Are there any trends you expect or hope to see in the future?
Diversity. I didn’t see many people who looked like me, especially in manager and supervisory roles. Additionally, it’s good to see how many women are entering the trades and working alongside other skilled tradesmen and women. I would hope to expect to see more of this and a larger offering of support for all. PSI is a great example of this forward movement as I see a growing number of diverse members throughout our workforce and occupying many roles in our organization. They’re implementing policies and training to make sure we all feel like we belong.
What legacy – whether at the shipyard or in your career as a whole – do you hope to leave behind?
Continuation of good training and available resources. Shipbuilding is a generational industry and it's up to us to ensure the incoming shipbuilders have the knowledge and tools they need for the industry to succeed. Many people who are shipbuilders have been in the industry for decades and they hold a wealth of knowledge that I have learned from first-hand.
Careers at Philly Shipyard are among the thousands available right now in the Opportunities section of BuildSubmarines.com.
Written by:
Kacey Bowen, BlueForge Alliance
(Photos, video from Philly Shipyard)
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