Welding is one of the apprenticeship programs NNS offers. The task these ironworkers accomplish include welding in conjunction with the reinforcement of steel and cable, rebar work for concrete construction, steel skeleton erection for buildings, and erection of exteriors of curtain walls and window walls. This is a physically demanding job that is often performed outside in less than ideal weather conditions. Some work is performed at considerable heights. Welders must be able to lift heavy objects, stand, sit, squat, bend, and climb. In addition, the work environment is often very noisy.
Through the NNS Apprenticeship Program, students can also train to become a journeyman pipefitter. As part of the plumbing trade, the general duties include installing, maintaining and repairing a variety of pipe system types. However, in the NNS program, students will specialize in pipefitting. Pipefitters specifically repair and install low-pressure and high-pressure systems of pipe that are utilized for electricity generation, manufacturing, and facility heating and cooling. In addition, pipefitters are charged with installing the automatic controls that regulate this critical systems.
A second apprenticeship program offered through NNS is their electrician program. These students learn how to maintain and install power and electrical systems for buildings and ships, as well as the electrical wiring for equipment on the ships. Typically, electricians begin an installation by reviewing blueprints of the system detailing critical components such as circuits, panel boards and load centers. Manual dexterity is an important facet of this career, as much of the work is performed with hand tools. A skilled electrician also is trained in using testing equipment, including: ohmmeters, harmonics testers, ammeters and voltmeters. They may work both indoors and outdoors.