Personal work ethic and career progression in skilled trades

¶ … ends long before they have 'turned in' for a comfortable night. My day usually comprises eight to ten hours of hard physical labor, five, sometimes six days a week. Often, when I do have a day off, I am too tired to do anything but rest for the working grind of the upcoming week and prepare for my week's work of intensive classes.

I am an apprentice, but not the kind that makes for slick reality television. I work full time at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard as an apprentice painter and blaster in Portsmouth New Hampshire. But despite the aching muscles and the long, grueling time and effort the program demands, I take great pride in the dedication I have shown in my work. I am proud I am currently ranked as top apprentice in my program, not simply because of my physical efforts but because of my excellence in the academic component of the program. I am taking courses in math, English and writing, drafting, computer technology and management. This academic component to the apprenticship is intended to prepare workers for management positions in the department, with the intention that the apprentice will eventually becoming a permanent employee.

I have also received quantifiable awards for the quality of my work. I have been given sixteen on the spot awards since I began my labors in June 2004, cumulating in a monetary award total of a hundred dollars. I have also had the joy of reading and hearing such compliments as, "an asset to the shop" and " a great team player" on recommendations and reports from my bosses.

Before I begame an apprentice, I worked in the United States Postal Service prior to my current from 2002 to 2004. I worked in the government for two years, showing motivation and perseverance against the proverbial rain, sleet, and shine that all carriers must face. During this period I of fulltime work I also attented school fulltime at the New Hampshire Technical Institute. I boasted a cumulative GPA of 3.5 in this program.