Liz Beasley was working at a bookstore in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia when she realized she wanted to pivot her career to secure a better future for her family. Encouraged by her husband, Beasley applied for a machining apprenticeship at Norfolk Naval Shipyard—a decision that, at first, felt intimidating. Despite her doubts, she took the leap. Beasley began her apprenticeship in February 2021, just as the world was recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“When I first walked into my shop, I was incredibly overwhelmed,” said Beasley, whose initial days at the shipyard were a mix of challenge and learning.
“Looking back on it, I have a really hard time believing that I didn't know how to do this already. I've gotten to the point where it's almost second nature.”
Starting with basics like hand tools, she gradually progressed to complex machinery and technical skills. The hands-on experience she received was crucial in building her foundation in machining. During her apprenticeship, Beasley learned about the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing program (ATDM) from a coworker who had just graduated from a CNC machining cohort. Intrigued by the future potential of CNC machining, she knew that acquiring these skills would be a significant step forward in her career advancement.
“CNC machining is the future,” Beasley said. “I finally had that ‘Aha!’ moment where everything kind of clicked into place. I realized that machining was just taking art and math and putting the two of them together for this amazing heavy metal arts and crafts. I can use the math to make art, and the result is perfect parts.”
Beasley enrolled in ATDM during the fourth year of her apprenticeship. Once on campus in Danville, Beasley progressed into more advanced CNC programming and operation, embracing every challenge that came her way.
“ATDM’s machines and their language was different from what I was used to, but it was a good challenge, and I enjoyed learning new things,” recalled Beasley.
As the program advanced, Beasley’s skills were put to the test. The training included turning out parts and mastering new geometries on different machines. Upon graduation, Beasley is poised to return to the Norfolk Naval Shipyard and continue her path toward completing the final six months of her apprenticeship and officially becoming a journeyman in the trade. She says her accelerated training at ATDM enhanced her technical skills and broadened her understanding of advanced machining techniques. As she prepares to return to the shipyard, Beasley looks forward to applying her newfound skills and contributing to projects integral to national defense, taking pride in crafting parts that will help defend our nation.
“I get to be part of a team that is literally changing the world and changing history,” said Beasley. “The Navy's motto is ‘Don't give up the ship.’ I carry that motto into my work every day: I don't give up, no matter what obstacles come my way. Especially as a woman in a male-dominated environment and as a working mom.”
“We are proud of Liz’s journey and accomplishments as an apprentice at America’s Shipyard and look forward to her continued contributions as a journeyman,” said Shipyard Commander Captain Jip Mosman. “Liz is a great testament to the opportunities available for enthusiastic and committed individuals in our shipyard apprentice program.”
Her story is a reminder that with determination, support, and the right training, career transformations are not only possible but can lead to extraordinary new beginnings.
“I used to be working at a bookstore, now here I am! You’re never too old to change careers,” proclaimed Beasley. “Hard work and perseverance will lead to success, and you can inspire others by not giving up.”