SSPC Mobile Training Unit ALSO Makes an Appearance at NNS

The mobile trailer from SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings spent two weeks in May at Newport News Shipbuilding and offered a glimpse into the future of training for blasters at the shipyard.

“SSPC Mobile Training Unit (MTU) provided a way to engage our workforce and improve 'time to talent' with our blasting operations by increasing safety awareness, proficiency and techniques," said X33 Trade Director Walter Williams. “We will continue to leverage technology and our workforce to transform the X33 department."

The trailer is a self-contained craft worker classroom with current blasting and painting equipment. Intended to provide onsite, hands-on training, it was equipped with an NNS-approved GoPro camera that broadcasted to an outside monitor. The outside monitor allowed trainers or more experienced blasters to watch trainees complete blasting work in real time and even provide instant feedback via headsets.

“If you were to send me in a tank with someone who was blasting and ask me to critique their work, I couldn't even talk to them, let alone view what they were doing, said Jim Morris (O26). “Now, I can do both from outside."

Longtime Blaster Donald Crenshaw (X33) watched the monitor as Ryan Levisy (X33) went through the trailer. “I'll step in if I think there's a better way that he can cut his pattern to get even profiles," Crenshaw said. “Normally, they're by themselves and we can't see them. But this allows me to watch and help them improve."

Xavier Beale, vice president of Trades, also had an opportunity to visit the trailer. “The energy and learning generated during the nearly two weeks the SSPC mobile training center onsite was infectious," he said. “It was a clear demonstration of shipbuilders helping shipbuilders learn and grow."

While the training trailer was only onsite for a short period of time, Morris said NNS is looking for ways to incorporate new training technology in the near future.

“We're marrying today's technology to old process training," he said. “Blaster technique has a lot of variables, but for the most part we want to see them act safely and in a way that allows them to accomplish the standards that are set in place."

For more information on the MTU, please click here.