Newport News Shipbuilding’s Professional Enhancement and Enrichment Rotation (PEER) Program held a graduation ceremony for shipbuilders in Cohort 14 in July. PEER is a two-year rotation program for salaried, individual contributors.

The cohort began its PEER journey Jan. 2, 2020, with each participant committed to taking ownership of their professional development and personal fulfillment. The participants learned about the attributes of the PEER ICARE (Innovative, Collaborative, Adaptive, Results Driven and Engaged) brand during their orientation workshop.

Just three months into their PEER experience, members of the cohort – and the rest of the world – felt the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the significant challenges, members of Cohort 14 were resolute to fulfilling their commitments. Participants and host managers implemented all five attributes of the ICARE brand to ensure every PEER experience was meaningful and rewarding. Cohort 14 participants navigated each of their rotations with determination to be effective contributors and successful participants.

“We began this journey in an incredible, astonishing and exaggerated way. Now let us lead the way forward,” said Debra Brand, a PEER Cohort 14 graduate, as she closed the ceremony.

Other graduates summarized their experiences with the following statements:

• “I gained the skills needed to become an effective team member in four new departments.”
• “I learned to become comfortable working outside of my comfort zone.”
• “I learned the skills needed to quickly adapt to the inevitable changes we all face.”
• “I developed the skills and networks needed to move into the next stage of my career.”

The 18 graduates in Cohort 14 – who ranged in age from 25 to 61 – earned four job family promotions, two leadership promotions and 11 transfers into new positions.

January 2023 will mark the 10-year anniversary of the PEER program with Cohort 20. Visit the PEER website to learn more about the program and register for an upcoming lunch and learn or open house event.

Contact Gary Figg via email for more information about joining the PEER program.