Pipe Fitter Trainee - Complete Trades Training

Overview

PIPE FITTER TRAINEE - COMPLETE 3 WEEKS OF FREE TRADES TRAINING

Location:

Newport News, Virginia, United States

Date:
Jan 23, 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

This position is for job seekers with no trades experience willing to complete three weeks of unpaid training in the Pipefitter 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 5-10 students per class. The Pipefitter Trainee program is offered at Tidewater Community College (Portsmouth, VA).

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

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

• Pipe fitters are responsible for installing complex systems together on ships, including over 23 miles of pipe on submarines and more than 230 miles on aircraft carriers.
• Engage in tasks such as assembling, welding, and securing pipe, troubleshooting and repairing existing systems.
• Learn to read blueprints, fabricate, install, inspect, and test various ship piping systems.

• Work in various weather conditions, at extreme heights on scaffolding, ladders, or elevated platforms.
• Work in small, confined spaces such as tanks, compartments, or voids in a ship.
• Must be able to pass a 3-week (UNPAID) program (120 hours), 7:00am – 3:30pm (Monday – Friday).
• Must be able to pass a background investigation and drug screen.
• Must be able to pass a physical agility test.
• Must be able to kneel, squat, crawl, bend, stoop, and climb daily.
• Must be able to lift at least 40 pounds and 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 and in small, tight spaces.
• Must be willing to work any shift.

Why HII
We build the world’s most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber. HII’s diverse workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals.

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.

Do You Need Assistance? If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an email to  and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

Additionally, you may call for assistance. Press #2 for Newport News Shipbuilding.