Not everyone enters the shipbuilding industry with a clear plan or a specific profession in mind. Sometimes it starts with a simple wish to learn something new, test yourself, and step outside your usual environment. That is exactly how Vilijamas began his journey at Marino Group. Today, he works as a pipefitter and contributes to shipbuilding projects every day.
His story is about learning through practice, a strong team, and work where no two days are the same.
A New Trade Learned on a Real Project
Vilijamas admits that he had not seriously considered becoming a pipefitter before. His interest came from curiosity and the desire to try himself in a new environment.
“I simply wanted to try something new, test my abilities, see how I would do, and learn a new trade.”
Although he did not have formal pipefitting education, he was not left alone in the workplace. The first months became an intensive learning process, where the team played the biggest role.
“I have a great team that helped me learn a lot, showed me how things are done, and carefully made sure I wouldn’t get injured and that the work would go smoothly.”
This is one of Marino Group’s strengths: new specialists grow not through theory alone, but in real projects, working alongside experienced colleagues.
The First Weeks: Learning to Adapt Quickly
Vilijamas remembers that the beginning was not easy. A new industry, a specific working environment, and a fast pace required quick adaptation.
“At first, it was really difficult, because most of the team speaks Russian, and Russian is a bit of a challenge for me.”
Still, these are exactly the situations where people often grow the fastest. He had to understand not only the work principles, but also learn to navigate an environment where every detail matters.
“There is a lot of dirty work, hard work, and you really need to think strategically and logically.”
Work on ships requires more than physical strength. Every day brings practical decisions: how to lift structures safely, which materials to use, and how to apply the right tools in the right situation. That is what made the job interesting for Vilijamas — here, you cannot simply perform tasks mechanically.
Work Without Monotony
When asked what he likes most about the job, Vilijamas first mentions its dynamics.
“There is absolutely no monotony.”
According to him, every day looks different. One day you may be installing, the next day cutting or working with cranes, and another day doing something completely different.
This kind of work does not allow you to stand still. The more time you spend on site, the more you understand and learn. That is why Vilijamas says the most important things are practice and the willingness to get involved.
“The more you observe how your colleagues work, the more you try things yourself instead of just watching, the more you learn over time.”
In a way, this describes the logic of skilled trades very well: strong specialists grow not only from theory, but from real everyday practice.
A Team That Works as One
Although the work itself requires a lot of effort, the people have made the strongest impression on Vilijamas.
“What I like most is the team.”
He says that even very different people work together smoothly, without unnecessary conflict or competition.
“Everyone wants to help each other as a team.”
In such an environment, you quickly feel that projects are not built individually, but through joint effort. If something heavy needs to be lifted or a problem needs to be solved quickly, the team comes together naturally.
“If something heavy needs to be lifted, more people come to help, so it’s not one person doing more and another doing less.”
This attitude, he says, helps the work move smoothly even in intense situations.
The First Ship and the Feeling When Everything Goes Right
One of the most important moments for Vilijamas was the first ship he worked on from the beginning.
“I’m most proud of the first ship that sailed out, because everything went well.”
In moments like this, you clearly feel the result of your work, especially when you understand how many different people and processes contribute to the final outcome.
During his first weeks, Vilijamas tried many different tasks: observing colleagues, covering pipes, changing gaskets, cutting structures, and working with cranes.
“I got a taste of a bit of everything, just to get used to it.”
Today, this has become part of his everyday work, and the job no longer feels unfamiliar.
A Message to Young People: It Is Worth Trying
Vilijamas believes this profession is especially suitable for young people who are not afraid of physical work and want to learn a real trade.
“I would definitely suggest everyone try it.”
According to him, this work allows you not only to earn money, but also to gain valuable life experience.
“The work is interesting, dynamic, and you get to see a lot.”
On ships, you work in many different places and conditions — from narrow technical spaces to high structures.
“You have to go deep down into places where it’s dark and scary, climb high up, but it’s interesting.”
A Future at Marino Group
Although Vilijamas is still at the beginning of his path in shipbuilding, he clearly sees himself in this environment.
“The work is interesting, and I think I’ll definitely stay here for some time.”
When asked whether he would recommend Marino Group to others, his answer is simple.
“Yes, I would recommend it.”
What matters to him is not just the work itself, but the entire work environment—the team, the attitude toward people, and job stability.
“Salaries are paid on time, the team is great, and the work clothes are good quality.”
Vilijam’s story perfectly illustrates that becoming a skilled professional doesn’t necessarily start with a specific degree or years of experience. Sometimes it all begins with a simple decision to try something new.
At Marino Group, such people get the opportunity to learn on the job, grow alongside the team, and work on real-world projects where every day brings new experiences.
And that is exactly how a new generation of professionals in the shipbuilding industry is taking shape today.