Shipfitter Trainee
Shipfitter Trainee - Complete 3 Weeks Of Free Trades Training 7AM-3 : 30PM
Location : Newport News, Virginia, United States
This position is for job seekers with no trades experience willing to complete three weeks of unpaid training in Shipfitting. Newport News Shipbuilding has partnered with the Virginia Ship Repair Association and local Virginia community colleges and maritime training facilities to offer several course-to-hire Marine Trades Training (MTT) programs for individuals interested in learning a trade and working full-time for Newport News Shipbuilding. Courses are offered once a month with 6-15 students per class. The Shipfitter Trainee program is offered at Camp Community College (Suffolk, VA), Virginia Peninsula Community College (Hampton, VA), or Tidewater Community College (Portsmouth, VA). Each (UNPAID) program is 3-weeks (120 hours), 7 : 00am 3 : 30pm (Monday thru Friday).
Shipfitters, often referred to as "carpenters" of shipbuilding or "artists of steel" are essential for interpreting blueprints and plans to fabricate and assemble the steel structures of aircraft carriers and submarines. They use a variety of tools to measure, cut, grind, fit, align, and tack weld components, ranging from small parts to large sub-assemblies and super lifts that form the ship's structural body. In addition to fabricating external structures, shipfitters construct all interior components, including hatches, doors, and bulkheads completing the steel work on the vessel.
At NNS, shipfitters undergo training and qualification at the shipyard's state of the art welding school. Their skills will be applied in multiple locations across the shipyard including shops, concrete and metal structures, dry docks, and aboard ships in support of new construction, ship repair, and overhaul.
Working at Newport News Shipbuilding often involves performing tasks in various weather conditions, at extreme heights on scaffolding, ladders, or elevated platforms and in small, confined spaces such as tanks, compartments, or voids in a ship. These environments require a strong focus on safety, precision, and adaptability, as well as physical agility and comfort working in challenging conditions.
Must be able to pass a 3-week (UNPAID) program (120 hours), 7 : 00am 3 : 30pm (Monday Friday)
Must be willing to undergo a background investigation and drug screen
Must be able to kneel, squat, crawl, bend, stoop, and climb on a daily basis
Must be able to lift at least 40 pounds
Must be able to perform overhead work
Must be able to work overtime as needed
Must be able to be clean shaven to wear a respirator
Must be able to perform work outdoors, year-round, in all weather conditions
Must be able to work at extreme heights
Must be able to work in small, tight, confined spaces
Must be willing to work any shift
High school graduate or equivalent preferred.
We build the world's most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber. HII's diverse workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI / ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals.
Recognized as one of America's top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII, you'll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career.
Working at HII is more than a job - it's an opportunity to build a future. We offer comprehensive benefits including : medical, prescription drug, dental and vision plan choices, on-site health centers, tele-medicine, wellness resources, employee assistance programs, savings plan options (401K), financial education and planning tools, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts, early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships, and more. Some benefits may vary depending on your specific division or work location.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. U.S. Citizenship may be required for certain positions.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to buildyourcareer@hii-co.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #2 for Newport News Shipbuilding.
Shipfitter • Newport News, VA, US