Marine Skilled Trade Trainees Wanted City and shipyard partnership leads to training and jobs for Southeast Community residents

Interested in training for a job in the shipbuilding industry? As part of the Choice Neighborhood Initiative, the City of Newport News is partnering with Newport News Shipbuilding to recruit, train and prepare residents of the Marshall-Ridley neighborhood and Southeast Community for a range of marine trades careers. This initiative utilizes the Maritime Trades Training Program and other pre-employment programs to build a hiring and training pipeline in the neighborhood. Wrap-around services to support trainees are also available to encourage successful completion of the program. Graduation from the training course will lead to an offer of full-time employment with Newport News Shipbuilding at a starting pay of around $19 per hour.   Newport News Shipbuilding, in collaboration with Virginia Ship Repair Association, other local training facilities and several local community colleges, offers the Maritime Trades Training Program. This course-to-hire marine trainee program includes hands-on training in the following trades: shipfitter, deck electricians, welder, sheet metal worker, marine coatings, pipe insulator, pipefitter and outside machinist. The two- or three-week training courses provide trainees the skills they need to begin full-time trades careers with Newport News Shipbuilding upon graduation. This no-cost, fast training can lead to high wages and great benefits for residents. Wrap-around services available to eligible applicants could include tuition costs, steel-toed boots, childcare, transportation and financial counseling.  Applicants for this initiative must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, and a resident of Newport News (priority consideration given to residents of the Marshall-Ridley Choice Neighborhood and the Southeast Community); pass a background check, drug screen and physical; and be able to work any shift upon completion of the course. All classes are offered monthly, include 90% hands-on instruction, take place Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and result in a full-time job offer from Newport News Shipbuilding upon graduation.  To learn more or to apply for the program, contact Joy Robison with the Brooks Crossing Innovation and Opportunity Center, 550 30th Street, Suite 102, at 757-975-5300 or robisonje@nnva.gov.