Pipe Fitter Trainee - Complete Trades Training

PIPE FITTER TRAINEE - COMPLETE 3 WEEKS OF FREE TRADES TRAINING

Location:

Newport News, Virginia, United States

Date:
Jan 23, 2026

Req

Team: X42 PIPE

Entity:
Newport News Shipbuilding

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

With 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 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. You will engage in various tasks, such as assembling, welding, and securing pipe, as well as troubleshooting and repairing existing systems. In this role, you will learn to read blueprints, fabricate, install, inspect, and test various ship piping systems.

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.

Watch this video to learn more:

Must be able to pass a 3-week (UNPAID) program (120 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 willing to work any shift

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.

Recognized as one of America’s top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people’s safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII,…