Pipe Fitter Trainee Or Certification - High School Seniors Or Graduates

Pipefitter Trainee - 2026 High School Grad (Sign‑On Bonus)

Location:

Newport News, VA

US Citizenship required.

Full‑time. Multiple shifts. No telework. Travel: none. Relocation assistance available for candidates 50+ miles from Newport News.

Sign‑on bonus: $500 for new hires. Relocation bonus: $500 for new hires 50+ miles away. Current employees ineligible.

This position is open to recent or upcoming 2026 high‑school graduates. The role invites candidates with no prior trade experience to complete a three‑week unpaid training program in the Pipefitter trade, or to apply with a certificate or diploma in a related trade field.

Candidates who already have a certificate or diploma in pipe fitting or a directly related field may be eligible to waive the trainee program.

• Install complex piping systems on ships, including over 23 miles of pipe on submarines and more than 230 miles on aircraft carriers.
• Assemble, weld, secure pipe, troubleshoot and repair systems.
• Read blueprints, fabricate, inspect, and test ship piping systems.
• Work in varied weather conditions, at extreme heights on scaffolding, ladders, or elevated platforms, and in small, confined spaces such as tanks or compartments.

• Pass a 3‑week (unpaid) trainee program (120 hours, 7:00 am–3:30 pm Monday–Friday) OR present one or more certificates of completion or diploma in pipe fitting or related field.
• Willing to undergo a background investigation and drug screen.
• Pass a physical agility test.
• Daily kneel, squat, crawl, bend, stoop, and climb.
• Lift at least 40 lbs.
• Perform overhead work.
• Work overtime as needed.
• Be clean‑shaven to wear a respirator.
• Work outdoors year‑round in all weather.
• Work at extreme heights.
• Work in small, tight, confined spaces.
• Willing to work any shift.

Competitive pay, weekly check‑ins, paid time off, paid holidays, medical benefits with an on‑site health center, 401(k) company match, employee discounts, 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, 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.