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Boatbuilding Apprentice Program

Mission and History

Through the building and use of wooden boats, ASF helps young people turn their lives around and provides families, community groups and schools with meaningful educational, social and recreational experiences.  Since 1992, ASF’s focus has been a paid, work-based apprentice program serving DC, Maryland and Virginia. Here, disadvantaged youths from the ages of 17–21 develop the discipline, self confidence, workshop and social skills necessary to find a meaningful place in the regular workforce. If necessary, they also earn their GED using ASF’s hands on, contextual curriculum. 

Apprentice Program Description

The work day begins at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m.  Apprentices must arrive on time each day to prevent a reduction in hourly wages.  Hours are divided among the academic classroom, the hands-on math and science classroom, and the workshop.  Apprentices are encouraged to strive to earn incentive raises for behavior, attendance, academic performance, leadership, and workshop skills.  Applicants who enter the program are given an initial two-week screening period during which they may choose to drop out without prejudice (i.e., they may apply for readmission at a later time and be considered without prejudice.)  For those who remain in the program, the objective is to graduate within four months, although in many instances (particularly the cases of immigrants with limited English language skills) it is necessary to extend the period of apprenticeship to six months.  Using these standards and goals, the failure rate is based on the number who drop out or are terminated after the initial two-week period and before graduation. Success is measured by completion of the program along with one year’s post-apprenticeship work.

The hands on, GED curriculum introduces the necessary concepts and skills through the experience of working in a wooden boat shop and training for a career in carpentry.

There are five full time employees and four part time employees.  A large volunteer base, contributes over 8,000 program hours annually.  Apprentices work side by side with staff and volunteers who often are the most reliable adults in their lives.  These adults are on hand to assist the apprentices in dealing with issues concerning the court system, city agencies, DMV, procurement of automobiles, and/or personal problems which they may find difficult to address.

The Alexandria Seaport Foundation provides solutions for risk factors such as criminal records, gang affiliation, anger management, refugees, learning disabilities, and substance abuse. Staff and volunteers provide whatever means necessary to address these challenges. 

Results

From October 2006, through September 2007, 46 apprentices entered the program.  Of these, 7 dropped out during the initial two-week trial period; 10 dropped out or were dismissed during the course; 22 graduated and are now employed; 12 are currently enrolled.  This represents an overall success rate of 69 percent of those who continued in the program beyond the initial two-week trial period. It is expected that this success rate will rise over 70 percent after the graduation of 6 senior apprentices currently in the program.

Applying for the Program

Applications are taken any time. Classes start every two months and
are formed on a "first come, first served" basis. To apply, print out
the application and fax it, or mail it, to ASF's office.

Apprentice Program Application (PDF)