Welder​/Structural Trainee - Complete Trades Training

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Location:

Newport News, Virginia, United States

Date:
Mar 2, 2026

US Citizenship Required for this Position:

Yes

Full-Time

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

Travel Requirement:
No

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 position is for job seekers with no trades experience willing to complete three weeks of unpaid training in the Welder trade .

Newport News Shipbuilding has partnered with the Virginia Ship Repair Association, local Virginia community colleges and maritime training facilities, to offer Marine Trades Training (MTT) programs for individuals interested in learning a trade and working full-time for NNS. The Welding trainee program is offered once a month with 8-10 students per class, and is held at Virginia Peninsula Community College (Hampton, VA), Tidewater Community College (Portsmouth, VA), or Camp Community College (Suffolk, VA).

Each (UNPAID) program is 3-weeks (120 hours), 7:00am – 3:30pm (Monday thru Friday).

As a welder, you will begin your career by qualifying though the shipyard’s start-of-the-art welding school. Upon completion, you will use a variety of welding filler metals and processes to perform structural and pipe welds throughout all phases of ship construction. Welders are responsible for tack, fillet, and full penetration welding on steel foundations, as well as structural and pipe joints for aircraft carriers and submarines.

Welders will employ various welding processes including SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding), FCAW (Flux Cored Arc Welding), GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding), and GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding), and perform welding in all positions using both manual and mechanized techniques. All work will meet stringent nondestructive testing requirements, including visual inspection, ultrasonic inspection, and radiographic inspection. Additionally, welders will receive further training in certified visual inspection, fire watch protocols, carbon arcing, and troubleshooting minor welding equipment issues.

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 pass physical agility test

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.

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