Sheet Metal Worker Trainee Or Certified - High School Seniors Or Graduates

Req
Team: X32 SHEET METAL DEPT
Entity:
Newport News Shipbuilding

US Citizenship Required for this Position:

Yes

Full-Time

Shift: Multiple
Relocation:
Relocation assistance will be available
Virtual/Telework Opportunity:
No - Not eligible for telework

Travel Requirement:

Yes, 10%-25% of the time

Clearance Required:

No - Clearance Not Required to Start

Meet HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding
With more than 25,000 employees – including third-, fourth- and even fifth-generation shipbuilders – HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division is the largest industrial employer in Virginia. We’re the sole designer, builder and refueler of U.S. Navy nuclear aircraft carriers and one of two providers of U.S. Navy nuclear submarines. Our diverse and innovative team of professionals ranges from skilled trades to project managers, engineers and software developers to solution architects, technical subject matter experts, and system users.

Anchored in our rich, 135-year history, we collaborate together at the forefront of technology, manufacturing, and integration of the most powerful and survivable naval ships in the world. Want to be part of the team? Apply today! We look forward to meeting you.

This Job Listing is for recent or upcoming 2026 High School Graduates. Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of HII, is offering a $500 sign‑on bonus to Trade Trainee hires. In addition, Newport News Shipbuilding is offering $500 in relocation bonus to Trade Trainee new hires that live 50 miles or greater from Newport News, VA. Job seekers who apply are eligible for the sign‑on bonus and relocation bonus.

Newport News Shipbuilding offers competitive pay, weekly paychecks, paid time off, paid holidays, medical benefits including an on‑site health center, 401K company match, employee discounts, and more. The sign‑on bonus is for external new hires. Current Newport News Shipbuilding employees are ineligible for the sign‑on bonus.

This position is for job seekers with no trades experience willing to complete two weeks of unpaid training in the Sheet Metal trade or for job seekers with a certificate in a related trades field.

Candidates who have received and can provide a certificate or diploma in Sheet Metal Fabrication or directly related field are encouraged to apply and may be eligible to waive the completion of the trainee program. Directly related fields include Sheet Metal Fabrication, HVAC, Facility Maintenance, Auto Body/Automotive Repair, Residential/Commercial Construction, Welding, and/or Carpentry.

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 8‑10 students per class.

The Sheet Metal Trainee program is offered at Tidewater Community College 120 Campus Drive Portsmouth, VA 23701 . This (UNPAID) program is 2‑weeks (80 hours), 7:00am – 3:30pm (Monday thru Friday).

The Sheet Metal Department is a highly skilled team responsible for fabricating, assembling and installing a wide variety of components on aircraft carriers and submarines. These components include ventilation systems, metal joiner bulkheads, framing, furniture, cabinetry, lockers, ladders, handrails, foundations, weapons spaces, and wet spaces. As a sheet metal worker, you will work according to detailed technical documents and procedural guidelines.

Sheet Metal workers will utilize a variety of hand tools and power equipment, including drills, rivet guns, grinders, miter saws, band saws, nibblers, plasma arc cutters, rollers, shears, press brakes and CNC fabricators. The Sheet Metal Department will provide formal and on‑the‑job training, covering basic sheet metal techniques and tack welding, as well as any specific training requirements for your role.

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…