Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, the state's largest industrial employer, will hold an apprentice and engineering job fair from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 28, at Honolulu Community College, 874 Dillingham Boulevard.

The shipyard said it will be hiring a minimum of 100 apprentices in January of 2010. The shipyard also wants to fill up to 80 engineer and engineering support positions.

Representatives from 18 trades and the engineering department will set up displays at the job fair and be on hand to answer questions about their occupations, the shipyard said.

Apprenticeships are four-year, work-study programs that pay trainees while they earn an associate's degree in applied science from HCC and learn a trade on the job.

Starting pay is $18.30 or more an hour and, at the end of four years, can be $27 or more an hour.

Eligibility requirements include being at least 18 years old by Jan. 10, 2010; a U.S. citizen, and a high school graduate. Applicants must also pass a physical exam, academic skills test and security clearance review.

Applications for apprenticeships will be accepted online March 28 to April 11 at https://acep.hawaii.navy.mil.