Skills of a Shipfitter

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Skills of a Shipfitter

Posted On : Dec-07-2012 | seen (1745) times | Article Word Count : 547 |

Shipfitters are highly skilled workers who fit the metal structural parts of a ship together for construction. A shipfitter braces these structural parts into position within the hull of the ship so they can be riveted or welded together. Shipfitters are commonly employed by the U.S. Navy, defense agencies, construction businesses, and shipyards.

There are many different routes to becoming a shipfitter. Candidates gain many of the mechanical skills for the job through structural welder courses or through on-the-job training. Here is a look at the specific skills that the ideal candidate for a shipfitter position will possess.

Knowledge of Ship Building

General knowledge of welding, joint preparation, and structural steel is required of all shipfitters. A shipfitter must be able to read and understand blueprints in order to fit together the plates, bulkheads, frames, and other structural components of a ship.

There are many educational paths that a prospective shipfitter can pursue to learn the skills they will need on the job. Typically, a candidate only needs a high school degree or its equivalent to qualify for an entry-level position. A background in welding combined with on-the-job training provides adequate preparation for the job.

However, technical degree programs can provide job seekers who are new to the trade with a foundation in welding and carpentry. Structural welder courses introduce students to many of the skills they will need to master as a shipfitter. Many technical or vocational colleges offer welding courses that will familiarize students with a wide range of welding techniques, including mild steel, flux core, and vertical and overhead positioning.

Another educational option is to enroll in a ship assembly certification program. Through a certification program, a student can take a series of courses to prepare for industry certification exams. An advantage of pursuing certification is that it provides a strong foundation in essential skills. Further it allows job seekers with a limited work history to seek apprenticeships and demonstrate their mastery of core knowledge to future employers.

Ship Assembly Skills

Strong mechanical knowledge is crucial for this occupation. On the job, a shipfitter might be called upon to perform maintenance and repairs that require skills in carpentry, plumbing, electrical repair, and painting. A shipfitter must also be skilled in working with power and hand tools for construction and maintenance.

Critical Abilities for Shipfitting

Successful shipfitters must possess strong mathematical abilities. They will apply the mathematical branches of algebra and geometry on the job.

There are several physical and cognitive abilities that a shipfitter must also possess. Manual dexterity is required for working in tight shipboard spaces and climbing high scaffolds. Additionally, a shipfitter must possess the ability to continuously lift heavy objects on the job and the willingness to work in all weather conditions. Mental skills that are crucial to the job include the ability to multitask, the ability to listen carefully to directions, and the ability to effectively communicate with coworkers and supervisors.

Whether job seekers gain these core skills through a ship assembly certification program or through on-the-job training, a mastery of welding and mechanical skills is essential for on-the-job success. Overall, there are many opportunities for a stable career and growth for candidates who possess these competencies.

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<h1>Skills of a Shipfitter</h1> Author: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/profile_Mr William Hauselberg.aspx'>Mr William Hauselberg</a> Shipfitters are highly skilled workers who fit the metal structural parts of a ship together for construction. A shipfitter braces these structural parts into position within the hull of the ship so they can be riveted or welded together. Shipfitters are commonly employed by the U.S. Navy, defense agencies, construction businesses, and shipyards.

There are many different routes to becoming a shipfitter. Candidates gain many of the mechanical skills for the job through structural welder courses or through on-the-job training. Here is a look at the specific skills that the ideal candidate for a shipfitter position will possess.

Knowledge of Ship Building

General knowledge of welding, joint preparation, and structural steel is required of all shipfitters. A shipfitter must be able to read and understand blueprints in order to fit together the plates, bulkheads, frames, and other structural components of a ship.

There are many educational paths that a prospective shipfitter can pursue to learn the skills they will need on the job. Typically, a candidate only needs a high school degree or its equivalent to qualify for an entry-level position. A background in welding combined with on-the-job training provides adequate preparation for the job.

However, technical degree programs can provide job seekers who are new to the trade with a foundation in welding and carpentry. Structural welder courses introduce students to many of the skills they will need to master as a shipfitter. Many technical or vocational colleges offer welding courses that will familiarize students with a wide range of welding techniques, including mild steel, flux core, and vertical and overhead positioning.

Another educational option is to enroll in a ship assembly certification program. Through a certification program, a student can take a series of courses to prepare for industry certification exams. An advantage of pursuing certification is that it provides a strong foundation in essential skills. Further it allows job seekers with a limited work history to seek apprenticeships and demonstrate their mastery of core knowledge to future employers.

Ship Assembly Skills

Strong mechanical knowledge is crucial for this occupation. On the job, a shipfitter might be called upon to perform maintenance and repairs that require skills in carpentry, plumbing, electrical repair, and painting. A shipfitter must also be skilled in working with power and hand tools for construction and maintenance.

Critical Abilities for Shipfitting

Successful shipfitters must possess strong mathematical abilities. They will apply the mathematical branches of algebra and geometry on the job.

There are several physical and cognitive abilities that a shipfitter must also possess. Manual dexterity is required for working in tight shipboard spaces and climbing high scaffolds. Additionally, a shipfitter must possess the ability to continuously lift heavy objects on the job and the willingness to work in all weather conditions. Mental skills that are crucial to the job include the ability to multitask, the ability to listen carefully to directions, and the ability to effectively communicate with coworkers and supervisors.

Whether job seekers gain these core skills through a ship assembly certification program or through on-the-job training, a mastery of welding and mechanical skills is essential for on-the-job success. Overall, there are many opportunities for a stable career and growth for candidates who possess these competencies.
About the Author: The author has an immense knowledge on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.weldingschool.com/training_structuralwelder.html">structural welder courses</a>. Know more about <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.weldingschool.com/training_professionalwelder.html">ship assembly certification</a> related info in his website.
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The author has an immense knowledge on structural welder courses. Know more about ship assembly certification related info in his website.

Keywords : ship assembly certification, structural welder courses,

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