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

SHEET METAL WORKER TRAINEE OR CERTIFIED - FOR 2026 HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS OR GRADUATES - SIGN-ON BONUS

Join to apply for the SHEET METAL WORKER TRAINEE OR CERTIFIED - FOR 2026 HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS OR GRADUATES - SIGN-ON BONUS role at HII
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Entity: Newport News Shipbuilding

Team: X32 SHEET METAL DEPT

Requirements: US Citizenship required. Full-time, multiple shifts. Relocation assistance available. Travel: 10‑25% of time. No telework.

This job is for recent or upcoming 2026 high school graduates. Newport News Shipbuilding offers a $500 sign‑on bonus and a $500 relocation bonus for hires living 50 miles or more from Newport News, VA. The position is for candidates with no trades experience willing to complete 2 weeks of unpaid training in Sheet Metal, or for those with a certificate in a related trade field.

The Sheet Metal Trainee program is a 2‑week (80 hours), 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Monday‑Friday unpaid program offered at Tidewater Community College. Completion may allow waiver of the trainee program for holders of a certificate or diploma in Sheet Metal Fabrication or directly related fields such as HVAC, Facility Maintenance, Auto Body, Construction, Welding, or Carpentry.

As a sheet metal worker, you will fabricate, assemble and install a wide variety of components on aircraft carriers and submarines, including ventilation systems, bulkheads, framing, furniture, cabinetry, lockers, ladders, handrails, foundations, weapons spaces, and wet spaces. Work according to detailed technical documents and procedural guidelines using hand tools and power equipment (drills, rivet guns, grinders, miter saws, band saws, nibblers, plasma cutters, press brakes, CNC machines).

Maintain a safe work environment in varying weather conditions, extreme heights, ladders, and confined spaces.

• Age 18 or older, legal right to work in the U.S.
• Ability to complete the 2‑week unpaid program or possess a certificate/diploma in Sheet Metal or related field.
• Background investigation and drug screen.
• Pass physical agility test.
• Can kneel, squat, crawl, bend, stoop, and climb daily.
• Can lift ≥40 lbs.
• Can perform overhead work.
• Can work overtime as needed.
• Must be clean‑shaven to wear a respirator.
• Can perform work outdoors year‑round in all weather.
• Can work at extreme heights and in tight, confined spaces.
• Open to any shift.

• High school graduate or equivalent.

We build the world’s most powerful naval ships and defense technology solutions. HII’s diverse workforce includes skilled tradespeople, engineers, AI/ML experts, scientists, and business professionals. We offer competitive pay, weekly paychecks, paid time off, medical benefits, 401(k), employee discounts, and career development programs.

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, email  For further assistance, call 1‑844‑849‑8463 (press #2 for Newport News Shipbuilding).