Ship Repair Bootcamp completers celebrated

GUAM—Guam Community College recognized 13 individuals in the latest round of pre-apprenticeship bootcamp completers. GCC’s Ship Repair Boot Camp VII lasted 14 weeks between July 5 and Sept. 23, 2023. There was a slight delay in startup due to Typhoon Mawar in May.

Participants took classes in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning I, Shielded Metal Arc Welding I, and Heartsavers, First Aid and CPR. They also completed courses in WorkKeys, Work Ethic, and OSHA 10.

Guam Shipyard recognized the candidates’ hard work and commitment for their newly gained skills and knowledge throughout the process and offered the completers jobs.

“We look forward to more bootcamps here at GCC because we definitely need more employees at Guam Shipyard,” said Matthews Pothen, president, Guam Shipyard. “You are all going to start Friday morning as employees at GSY. This couldn’t be a better transition from school to work.

Thank you to the family members, they couldn’t have done it without you all, your support is crucial.”

Marilyn C. Alpet, a bootcamp completer shared how grateful she was for the bootcamp. “We have learned so much during the process. We overcame barriers that were thrown our way and still managed to get it done. The BC had us on a rollercoaster ride but it was all worth it,” Alpet said.

Dr. Mary A. Y. Okada, GCC president, shared the need to fill jobs in the industry.

“Guam Shipyard sees the demand that is coming,” stated Dr. Mary A. Y. Okada, GCC president.

“They see the need to increase the capacity for Guam. It is a chicken or an egg thing, we need to provide the talent here on Guam in order for the ships to come, but we need the ships on Guam to identify that we need talent. We are balancing the two requirements right now. If Guam has the local workforce, they will get more work; they’ll get more projects. Economic diversification development here on Guam is only going to increase. That has been the driver for all the boot camps here at GCC.”

“Take this opportunity to thank your families, the Guam Shipyard team and the amazing team here at GCC for this opportunity,” said Frank Arriola, GCC board of trustees chairman. “Never take for granted this chance at a very good life and career. These are the moments that our team works so very hard for… to fulfill our mission as a leader in career and technical workforce development.”

The next Ship Repair bootcamp will be announced at a later date. There are several other bootcamps in line for later this year. For more information contact the Continuing Education and Workforce Development office at workforce@guamcc.edu or call 671-735-5640. (PR)