Giants of Skilled Trades: JB Levy, Bollinger Shipyards
Johnny “JB” Levy has always had a hands-on mindset. With more than 14 years of experience as a mechanic – including time as a business owner and in-house technician – he built a career rooted in precision, problem-solving and pride in his work. But in 2024, he saw an opportunity to apply those same skills in a new way: shipfitting.
That opportunity came through Bollinger Shipyards’ Shipfitting Bootcamp, a workforce development program created in partnership with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Levy joined the program in April 2024 and quickly stood out, not only for his craftsmanship, but for his leadership and commitment to helping others succeed. By the time he graduated just eight months later, he was promoted from trainee to shipfitter, then invited to serve as an assistant trainer for future Bootcamp cohorts.
Bollinger Shipyards is a key contributor to the U.S. Maritime Industrial Base (MIB) with a 78-year legacy of building high-performance vessels for the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard. With 13 shipyards across Louisiana and Mississippi, Bollinger continues to invest in the future of American shipbuilding by developing programs like the Bootcamp—designed to equip skilled tradespeople like Levy with the tools and training to thrive.
We caught up with Levy to hear more about his journey, what shipfitting means to him, and how it feels to be part of something bigger than himself.
What motivated you to become a shipfitter at Bollinger Shipyards?
What motivated me was that I enjoy learning new things and doing hands on work. It was also the fact that where I'm from there are no shipyards. So being around enormous ships and heavy equipment was very exciting to me.
How did your background as a mechanic prepare you for the skills and mindset needed in shipfitting?
My background as a mechanic introduced me to working with a variety of tools. It also helped improve my problem solving skills as well, which I believe are very important for shipfitting.
What was your experience like going through the Bollinger Shipfitting Bootcamp? Was there a moment during training that stood out to you?
My experience in the shipfitter bootcamp was great. The instructors were very knowledgeable and understood that not everyone learns things the same way. They did a great job being able to adapt the training program to work for each individual person. I've learned a lot from them.
You were selected as an assistant trainer not long after graduating. What did it mean to you to help guide others through the program so soon after you were a student?
During my time as a student in the shipfitter bootcamp I was helping a lot of the other students and the teachers noticed pretty quickly. So it means a lot to me that they chose me to help them guide others. I really enjoy helping others learn new things. Just knowing I had a hand in helping them achieve their goals is enough for me.
What’s one thing about the shipfitting trade you’ve come to really enjoy?
One thing I really enjoy about shipfitting is the fact that what you build or make is important, even the smallest of parts. Everything depends on you and the quality of your work in order for the rest of the ship to go together smoothly.
How do you see your work as a shipfitter contributing to the bigger picture—supporting the Navy and strengthening the Maritime Industrial Base?
I know that my work as a shipfitter helps the Navy get the vessels they need to protect our country. Their job is to protect us so we must ensure that we help them by doing our job well so they are safe out there.
What’s been the most rewarding part of your journey so far at Bollinger?
The most rewarding part so far was the last graduation on April 11. It made me feel great knowing that I helped a new group of shipfitters and pipe welders complete the bootcamp and get into the shipyard. They worked extremely hard, and so did everyone else involved with the bootcamp.
How has your time at Bollinger Shipyards shaped your outlook on your career?
My time with Bollinger has opened my eyes to a whole new world of crafts. It's opened my eyes to a new skill set that I would have never imagined myself doing.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in skilled trades?
The advice I would give them would be keep an open mind, be ready to learn. And also understand that you will make mistakes, but the most important part is to learn from them.
As a father, how does it feel to know your work contributes to building something that protects future generations?
I feel proud that my work contributes to future generations because it makes me feel like I’m a good role model for my children and it makes it possible for them to see that you can be anything you want as long as you really put your mind to it. You could do things you never thought you could do.
What are the qualities you think a great skilled tradesperson has?
I believe the qualities a great skilled tradesperson should have are a willingness to learn new things, to also keep a positive mindset, and be a self starter. And most importantly they need to know that sometimes you will make mistakes but that's ok, just stay focused and learn from it. That's how you get better.
Careers at Bollinger Shipyards are among the thousands available right now in the Opportunities section of BuildSubmarines.com. You can also visit the Training section if you are looking to gain the skills for a skilled trades career.
Written by:
Taylor Massey, BlueForge Alliance
(Photos from Bollinger Shipyards)
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