Graduating from Ingalls Apprentice School is a feat that takes the hard work and dedication of not only the apprentices who show up each day but those who commit to helping them learn everything they need to know to become first-class in their craft.

For Coatings/Paint instructor Malcolm Hubbard, it’s a journey he knows well. Malcolm started at Ingalls in 1990, joining the company as a joiner apprentice. After graduating from the apprenticeship program, he served as a journeyman for 16 years, then went on to train joiners as an on-the-job (OTJ) instructor for 12 additional years.

In 2018, with a high volume of Paint apprentices, Malcolm began assisting as a hands-on and OTJ instructor for the Paint program. He did so well that he was eventually transferred to Paint full-time and recognized as a journeyman painter, in addition to his status as a first-class joiner.

“There are not too many shipbuilders in the shipyard that are recognized as journeymen in two crafts, especially two that are so vastly different as Paint and Joiner,” said Doug Hudson, manager, Product Training, Workforce Development.

Malcolm’s passion for helping new apprentices grow in their craft comes from his own experience.

“The best advice I give apprentices is to finish what you start,” said Malcolm. “I explain to them that, as a graduate of this same program, I’ve been in their shoes. I’ve sat where they’re sitting in these classrooms and worked on the deckplate just like they do.”

Each year, the Apprentice School selects an Instructor of the Year. This year, it was a no-brainer that Malcolm received the honor.

“Malcolm is a skilled and supportive instructor that can easily adapt to the needs of his students,” said Anna Bourdais, director, Workforce Development. “It’s his unique way of gently pushing apprentices out of their comfort zone to learn a new skill that makes Malcolm an effective instructor.”

Malcolm’s exceptional ability to motivate his students inspires apprentices to challenge their limits, helping them be better prepared as journeymen.

“Malcolm is very patient with his students and does a great job of explaining the tasks in a way that they can understand,” said Doug. “He has shown various teaching methods with the understanding that not every student learns the same way.”

By recognizing the unique needs of each student, Malcolm is able to form a rapport with apprentices that extends beyond the apprenticeship program.

“Malcolm’s class evaluations and students’ performances suggest that, not only is he a great instructor, but he develops great relationships with his students and continues to assist in their development after the classes are completed,” said Doug.

But it goes beyond test scores. It comes down to having the character and conviction to help guide new shipbuilders on their journey from the classroom to the deckplate and beyond.

 “Malcolm does a great job of leading by example and provides a great role model for the new hire apprentices to try to emulate,” Doug continued.

For Malcolm, the most rewarding aspect of being an apprentice instructor is guiding shipbuilders on a great career path for their future and, in just a few short years, being able to see what they have accomplished.

It’s more than just a job to him; it’s his way of honoring the servicemembers who serve aboard the ships we build to help protect our freedoms.

“I take so much pride in being an Ingalls shipbuilder. I have three sons – one of whom is in the military and two of which work here at Ingalls,” said Malcolm. “I feel so proud as a shipbuilder when I see a ship that I helped build. When you see them serving in conflicts around the globe, it really makes you realize how important your job is.”

But perhaps, more importantly, Malcolm’s dedication to teaching is inspired by the people he loves most in this world. 

“This shipyard has provided for me and my family for 34 years and counting,” he said. “I am so grateful and appreciative to this company and this apprenticeship program. It’s a great honor to be chosen as the 2023 Instructor of the Year.”

Congratulations, Malcolm!