Ashley Nova Gains Hands-On Experience as a Mechanic Helper This Summer

Ashley Nova, a millwright student at Prince William Sound College (PWSC), is spending her summer gaining hands-on industry experience as a mechanic helper at Silver Bay Seafoods. Though she’s worked at the plant before, this season marks her first time stepping into a technical role—one she’s excited to take on.

As a mechanic helper, Ashley is involved in the day-to-day maintenance and repair of equipment used in the seafood processing industry. Her tasks range from greasing machinery and changing knives to assisting with bearing replacements, shaft alignment, and troubleshooting both mechanical and electrical systems. Her days often begin at 5:30 a.m., with 14-hour shifts ensuring that all machines are fully operational before processing begins.

Ashley’s first semester in PWSC’s millwright program prepared her well for this role. The technical knowledge and skills she gained in class are now being applied in real-world situations, including:

• Using hand and power tools for equipment repairs
• Assembling and disassembling machinery
• Aligning shafts and coupling components
• Performing preventive maintenance (lubrication, belt and chain checks, etc.)
• Following lockout/tagout safety procedures
• Reading blueprints and mechanical drawings
• Understanding pump systems for water and brine
• Maintaining equipment with a focus on sanitation in food-safe environments
• Working with stainless steel and preventing corrosion in wet, salty conditions

Many of the concepts that once seemed abstract—such as interpreting equipment diagrams or identifying worn-out parts—now become clear through hands-on practice. Her supervisors have taken notice, gradually assigning her more independent responsibilities. The experience is not only building her confidence but also reinforcing her decision to pursue a career in industrial mechanics.

Ashley will return to PWSC in the fall to complete her OEC in Millwright. She highly recommends this line of work to anyone interested in mechanical trades or looking for a career in seafood processing operations. Her summer on the job has been more than just work—it’s been a key step forward in her training and professional development.