Shipfitter Trainee Or Certification - High School Seniors Or Graduates

SHIP FITTER TRAINEE OR CERTIFICATION – 2026 HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS OR GRADUATES (SIGN‑ON BONUS)

Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of HII, is hiring recent or upcoming 2026 high‑school graduates for the Ship fitter Trainee program. The role offers a $500 sign‑on bonus and a $500 relocation bonus for candidates living 50 mi or more from Newport News, VA. Competitive pay, weekly paychecks, paid time off, medical benefits (including an on‑site health center) and 401(k) company match are also provided.

• Unpaid 3‑week (120 h) training program, 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Monday–Friday. Candidates with a certificate or diploma in shipfitting or a directly related trade may be eligible to waive the training period.
• Training is conducted at one of the local community colleges:
  Camp Community College (Suffolk, VA), Virginia Peninsula Community College (Hampton, VA) or Tidewater Community College (Portsmouth, VA).
• Shipfitters learn to interpret blueprints and plans, fabricate and assemble the steel structures of aircraft carriers and submarines, and construct interior components such as hatches, doors and bulkheads.
• Work locations include shipyard shops, concrete and metal structures, dry docks and aboard ships for new construction, repair and overhaul projects.
• Environments may involve extreme heights, confined spaces, and various weather conditions; a strong focus on safety, precision and physical agility is required.

• Pass the 3‑week (unpaid) program or provide one or more certificates of completion or diplomas in shipfitting or a directly related field.
• Willing to undergo a background investigation and drug screen.
• Ability to kneel, squat, crawl, bend, stoop and climb on a daily basis.
• Capability to lift at least 40 lb and perform overhead work.
• Availability to work overtime as needed and to work any shift.
• Must be clean‑shaven to wear a respirator.
• Must be able to work outdoors year‑round in all weather conditions; at extreme heights; and in small, tight, confined spaces.

• High school graduate or equivalent preferred.

• Largest industrial employer in Virginia, sole designer, builder and refueler of U.S. Navy nuclear aircraft carriers, and one of two providers of U.S. Navy nuclear submarines.
• Diverse workforce with skilled tradespeople, engineers and technology experts, committed to safety, well‑being and career growth.
• Comprehensive benefits: medical, prescription drug, dental and vision plans; on‑site health centers; tele‑medicine; wellness resources; employee assistance; tuition reimbursement; life insurance and more.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age or veteran status. U.S. citizenship may be required for certain positions.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email buildyourcareer@hii‑ For assistance, call 1‑844‑849‑8463 and press #2 for Newport News Shipbuilding.