Military veterans graduate from Ga. apprenticeship program

By Gordon Jackson

The Brunswick (Ga.) News

Published: January 25, 2014

ST. MARYS, Ga. There's a lot more to painting submarines, bridges and other structures on military bases than just grabbing a brush or a spray nozzle.

In fact, it's a 3-year apprenticeship to earn a journeyman's certification to work as a painter for a military contractor.

Eight military veterans who graduated from a training program Friday conducted in St. Marys will take that first step toward being a journeyman.

They will start working for a military contractor at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay on Tuesday.

The graduates completed an intensive two-week training program sponsored by the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, District Council 77, said Ryan Enos, director of marketing for the organization. He said 70 veterans applied for the program.

"It was grueling to pick those candidates," Enos said.

The union is conducting similar training programs for veterans across the nation to help military contractors find employees to replace an aging civilian workforce.

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Military veterans graduate from Ga. apprenticeship program