Pipe Fitter Trainee Or Certification - High School Seniors Or Graduates

PIPE FITTER TRAINEE OR CERTIFICATION – 2026 HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS OR GRADUATES – SIGN-ON BONUS

Apply for the PIPE FITTER TRAINEE OR CERTIFICATION role  offer a $500 sign‑on bonus to new trade trainees and a $500 relocation bonus for those living 50 miles or more from Newport News, VA.

Relocation assistance is available. The position is full‑time and is not eligible for telework. Travel is not required.

Seniority level:
Internship.

Employment type:

Internship. Job function:
Management and Manufacturing. Industries:
Defense and Space Manufacturing.

HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division is the largest industrial employer in Virginia and the sole designer, builder, and refueler of U.S. Navy nuclear aircraft carriers and submarines. With more than 25,000 employees, we provide a supportive environment, competitive benefits, and educational and training programs for career growth.

This position is for recent or upcoming 2026 high‑school graduates. Candidates with no trades experience must complete three weeks of unpaid training in the pipefitter trade, or must hold a certificate or diploma in a related field. Marine Trades Training (MTT) programs are partnered with local community colleges and maritime training facilities.

Pipe fitters install complex piping systems on ships, including over 23 miles of pipe on submarines and more than 230 miles on aircraft carriers. Responsibilities include assembling, welding, securing pipe, troubleshooting, repairing existing systems, reading blueprints, fabricating, installing, inspecting, and testing ship piping systems. Work involves varying weather conditions, extreme heights on scaffolding, ladders or elevated platforms, and small, confined spaces such as tanks, compartments, or voids.

• Ability to complete a 3‑week (unpaid) training program or present a certificate/diploma in pipe fitting or a related field (commercial pipe fitting, plumbing, HVAC, irrigation, welding, hydraulics, storm/wastewater management).
• Willingness to undergo a background investigation and drug screen.
• Physical agility test pass.
• Ability to kneel, squat, crawl, bend, stoop, and climb daily.
• Ability to lift at least 40 lb.
• Capacity to perform overhead work.
• Availability for overtime as needed.
• Clean shaven to wear a respirator.
• Ability to work outdoors year‑round and in all weather conditions.
• Comfortable working at extreme heights.
• Ability to work in small, tight, confined spaces.
• Willingness to work any shift.

HII offers competitive pay, weekly paychecks, paid time off, paid holidays, on‑site health center, 401 k company match, employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, early childhood and post‑secondary scholarships, medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision plan choices, tele‑medicine, wellness resources, employee assistance programs, savings plan options, and more.

To learn more about the Marine Trades Training programs and the hiring process, visit .

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, send an e‑mail to and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Call 1‑844‑849‑8463 and press #2 for Newport News Shipbuilding. Press #2 for assistance.

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.