Hometown:Vancleave
Age:20
High School:Vancleave High School
Training:Ingalls Shipbuilder Academy & Ingalls Rigger Apprentice School
Degree:During his senior year of high school, Melvan took the Ingalls Shipbuilder Academy class where he received credentials in nine tradecraft skills and college credit. He is now pursuing a U.S. Department of Labor Certificate of Completion through the Ingalls Rigger Apprentice School to become a Journeyman First Class Rigger.
Employer:Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula
Title:Rigger Apprentice

Rigger

MELVAN TAYLOR

Melvan Taylor grew up surrounded by the rigging industry. His grandfather works at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, and Melvan decided to follow in his footsteps.

After completing the Ingalls Shipbuilder Academy, Melvan was more aware of the maritime industry and what types of jobs that were open to him at Ingalls. He’s now in his second year of the four-year Ingalls Rigger Apprentice Program.

“Once I complete my rigger apprentice program, I have the opportunity to enter into management and work my way into leadership or become an instructor for training.”

Find Out More

WHAT DOES A RIGGER DO?

Melvan is on page 44.

Riggers set up or repair rigging for construction projects, manufacturing plants, logging yards, ships and shipyards and more. Riggers use ropes and pulleys to move heavy objects and sub in for machines in tight spaces. Riggers use cranes with heavy chains, cables and straps.

Responsibilities:

  • Coordinate installations or repairs.
  • Test mechanical systems to ensure proper functioning.
  • Attach rigging to objects so they can be moved.
  • Determine types of equipment, tools or materials needed for jobs.
  • Operate cranes, hoists or other moving or lifting equipment.