Pipe Fitter Trainee - Complete Trades Training

Overview

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

Meet HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding – With more than 25,000 employees, 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 team ranges from skilled trades to project managers, engineers and software developers to solution architects, technical subject matter experts, and system users.

Anchored in our 135-year history, we collaborate at the forefront of technology, manufacturing, and integration of naval ships. Want to be part of the team? Apply today!

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. HII’s diverse workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals. We are a values- and ethics-driven organization that prioritizes safety and well-being. We offer a supportive environment, competitive benefits, and training programs for continual career growth. Benefits may vary by division or location.

Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or other protected status. U.S. Citizenship may be required for certain positions.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to  with your request and 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 address.

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