Roughly 50 educators and career counselors from Washington state schools came out to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility in Bremerton last Friday for a tour of the command.

The group included representatives from high schools, technical schools, colleges and organizations assisting veterans and wounded warriors transitioning back to the private workforce.

The day began with a job fair, in which representatives from shipyard trades and programs provided demonstrations and answered questions about potential career paths for students. Attendees then toured the shipyard’s continuous training and development facilities and apprentice school for hands-on demonstrations of how new employees are trained and developed. Wrapping up the day’s events was a lunchtime question and answer panel, followed by a bus tour of the shipyard.

“We depend on all of you to provide us the next generation of workers and future leaders in the shipyard,” PSNS & IMF executive director Rick Tift said. “We want you to spread the word that the shipyard provides great opportunities for employment and continuing education throughout your career.”

South Kitsap High School counselor Sherri Fauver said the shipyard’s close proximity prompted her to attend the event.

“Living so close and knowing how many people in the community work here, I thought it was important to learn about the opportunities the shipyard offers my students,” she said.

“Every student’s path is different. Not every student will make the choice of going to college and the ability to learn a trade is more important than ever for those kids.”