Welder​/Structural Trainee - Complete Trades Training

WELDER/STRUCTURAL TRAINEE - COMPLETE 3 WEEKS OF FREE TRADES TRAINING

Join to apply for the WELDER/STRUCTURAL TRAINEE - COMPLETE 3 WEEKS OF FREE TRADES TRAINING role at Newport News Shipbuilding, A Division of HII
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Meet HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding — With more than 25,000 employees, HII’s NNS division is the largest industrial employer in Virginia and the sole designer, builder, and refueler of U.S. Navy nuclear aircraft carriers and submarines. We collaborate at the forefront of technology, manufacturing, and integration of the most powerful and survivable naval ships in the world. Apply today and be part of the team.

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 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 at Virginia Peninsula Community College, Tidewater Community College, or Camp Community College.

Each unpaid program lasts 3 weeks (120 hours), Monday‑Friday, 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

After successful completion of the training, you will qualify to work at the shipyard’s state‑of‑the‑art welding school and then perform structural and pipe welds on aircraft carriers and submarines. You will use a variety of welding processes including SMAW, FCAW, GMAW, and GTAW, and work in all positions using manual and mechanized techniques. Work will meet stringent nondestructive testing requirements, such as visual, ultrasonic, and radiographic inspection, and you will receive further training in visual inspection, fire watch protocols, carbon arcing, and troubleshooting welding equipment.

The role involves working in various weather conditions, at extreme heights on scaffolding or ladders, and in small, confined spaces such as tanks or voids.

• Complete the 3‑week unpaid training program (120 hours)
• Undergo a background investigation and drug screen
• Pass physical agility test
• Kneel, squat, crawl, bend, stoop, and climb on a daily basis
• Lift at least 40 pounds
• Perform overhead work
• Work overtime as needed
• Be clean shaven to wear a respirator
• Perform work outdoors, year‑round, in all weather conditions
• Work at extreme heights
• Work in small, tight, confined spaces
• Willing to work any shift

• High school graduate or equivalent

We build the world’s most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, skies, land, space, and cyber. HII’s diverse workforce includes skilled tradespeople, AI/ML experts, engineers, technologists, scientists, logistics experts, and business professionals. Recognized as one of America’s top large company employers, we are a values‑driven organization that prioritizes safety and well‑being. At HII, you’ll find a supportive environment, competitive benefits, and educational programs for continual career growth.

Benefits include: medical, prescription drug, dental, vision plan choices; on‑site health centers; tele‑medicine; wellness resources; employee assistance programs; savings plan (401 K); financial education tools; life insurance; tuition reimbursement; employee discounts; early‑childhood and post‑secondary education scholarships; and more. Some benefits may vary by division or location.

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, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. U.S. Citizenship may be required for certain positions.

Reasonable accommodations can be requested by e‑mail at or by calling 1‑844‑849‑8463 (press #2 for Newport News Shipbuilding).

Visit our Marine Trades Training page: .