NEWPORT NEWS, Va., Jan. 22, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) today announced that Robert Arredondo Jr., an electrician at the company's Newport News sector, has received the 2003 Outstanding Apprentice Award from the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry. Arredondo completed his apprenticeship with the Newport News Apprentice School last September and will participate in the school's graduation ceremony Jan. 23.
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The Virginia Apprenticeship Council presented the award to Arredondo at a ceremony held last month. The council, in association with the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry, sponsors the awards program, which honors outstanding apprentices each year who have completed their training program and are nominated by their sponsoring organizations. Arredondo's recognition included his excellence in craftsmanship, accuracy, leadership and decision-making.
"Robert is a natural leader and very deserving of this award," said Dan Brookman, manager of the Apprentice School. "His maturity, professional disposition and resourcefulness make him an outstanding role model for other apprentices and coworkers."
Arredondo now works as an electrician in the shipyard's aircraft carrier program. He is currently responsible for the installation of the electrical systems for the catapult and arresting gears on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.
The Apprentice School began in 1919 and is widely recognized as one of the best apprenticeship programs in the country. The school's objective is to provide Northrop Grumman Newport News with a continuous supply of individuals who possess not only the skills, knowledge and pride of workmanship, but also the education foundation and personal qualities they will require to fully meet the challenges of a shipbuilding career. The school offers four-year, tuition-free apprenticeships in 17 skilled trades to qualified men and women. Apprentices work a regular 40-hour week and are paid for all work, including time spent in academic classes.
Northrop Grumman Newport News, headquartered in Newport News Va., is the nation's sole designer, builder, and refueler of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and one of only two companies capable of designing and building nuclear powered submarines. Newport News also provides after-market services for a wide array of naval and commercial vessels. The Newport News sector employs about 18,000 people.
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