For many students, Ingalls Shipbuilder Academy is their first step into the world of shipbuilding. For Randie Vickers, it was the turning point. The hands-on high school program introduced her to welding, ship design and the Navy vessels Ingalls builds.  

One year after signing a job offer during Ingalls Signing Day, Randie is now a welder helper’s apprentice with a proud list of accomplishments.  

At Alma Bryant High School, Randie’s interest in welding had already taken root. Her father spent decades welding on offshore rigs, and she knew she wanted to follow a similar path. Ingalls Shipbuilding Academy gave her the chance to test that interest early and confirm it. 

“It was fun,” she said. “They really prepared me for working at Ingalls. And I still talk to the people at the Shipbuilder Academy. I still ask them questions all the time.” 

Through the Academy, she learned MIG welding, various other weld types, blueprint reading and even completed a full course on Navy ships. She also received extensive safety training.  

By the time Signing Day arrived, Randie knew exactly where she wanted to be—and Ingalls celebrated that decision the same way schools celebrate athletic commitments.  

“It’s your career,” she said. “It’s just as big of a deal.” 

Since starting at Ingalls last summer, Randie has grown quickly. One of her biggest wins so far has been tackling advanced welds on the job. 

“I just welded my first vertical that was bigger than that,” she said, pointing to a nearby column on a building. “It was not easy. But I did it.” 

She’s also learned the finer points of filling and blending weld gaps, something that takes skill and patience.  

“You got to fill it in and make it blend, and it’s pretty difficult,” she said. “But when you finish it and you know you did that, it feels good.” 

As a young shipbuilder, Randie says she’s found a lot of support so far.  

“My leadership is great,” she said. “They do their hardest to help me out.” 

Randie takes pride in knowing her work directly supports the Sailors and Marines who will live aboard the ships she helps build.  

“It’s cool knowing the ships we build matter,” she said. “We’re always going to need ships. Whether I’m building this or a different kind of ship, America will always need ships and Ingalls will be there to build them.” 

For students who may be considering the Academy, Randie keeps her advice simple and honest.  

“No matter what you do at Ingalls, there’s always opportunity to do more. You can go to college for free, you can try out a different trade—there are options.”  

One year after Signing Day, Randie is proof of what the program can spark: confidence, career direction and the pride that comes from building something that lasts. 

And she’s just getting started. 

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