Sheet Metal Worker Trainee - Complete Trades Training

Overview

Location:

Newport News, Virginia, United States

Date:
Sep 18, 2025

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:
Yes, 10%-25% of the time

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 two weeks of unpaid training in the Sheet Metal trade.

Newport News Shipbuilding has partnered with the Virginia Ship Repair Association and local Virginia community colleges and maritime training facilities to offer several course-to-hire Marine Trades Training (MTT) programs for individuals interested in learning a trade and working full-time for Newport News Shipbuilding. Courses are offered once a month with 8-10 students per class.

The Sheet Metal Trainee program is offered at Tidewater Community College/TCC Skilled Trades Academy 3303 Airline Blvd Portsmouth VA 23701. This (UNPAID) program is 2-weeks (80 hours), 7:00am – 3:30pm (Monday thru Friday).

The Sheet Metal Department is a highly skilled team responsible for fabricating, assembling and installing a wide variety of components on aircraft carriers and submarines. These components include ventilation systems, metal joiner bulkheads, framing, furniture, cabinetry, lockers, ladders, handrails, foundations, weapons spaces, and wet spaces. As a sheet metal worker, you will work according to detailed technical documents and procedural guidelines.

Sheet Metal workers will utilize a variety of hand tools and power equipment, including drills, rivet guns, grinders, miter saws, band saws, nibblers, plasma arc cutters, rollers, shears, press brakes and CNC fabricators. The Sheet Metal Department will provide formal and on the job training, covering basic sheet metal techniques and tack welding, as well as any specific training requirements for your role.

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.

To learn more about the Marine Trades Training (MTT) programs and how the process works, please visit

Candidates must be 18 years of age or older and legally eligible to work in the U.S.

Must be able to pass a 2-week (UNPAID) program (80 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 able to work ANY shift

High school graduate or equivalent preferred

Why HII
We build the world’s most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense…