Craft Apprentice

Craft Apprentice

Colonna’s Shipyard, Inc. is seeking interested candidates to join our Craft Apprenticeship! We offer a comprehensive program for motivated individuals interested in starting careers in the ship repair and industrial fabrication industries.

Colonna’s Apprenticeship Program combines college-level technical instruction with on-the-job training under the guidance of experienced educators, skilled tradespeople, and industry leaders.

Being a Colonna’s Apprentice takes dedication and commitment. Through the established pathway, apprentices navigate through educational requirements and hands‑on experience, resulting in a journey worker’s card and in-demand industry experience and credentials.

This opportunity allows emerging professionals to earn while they learn and join the next generation of skilled tradespeople. For questions or additional information about the program, please contact us at

We offer apprenticeship opportunities in multiple trades pathways, which may include:

• Inside Machinist
• Outside Machinist
• Marine Painter
• Marine Pipefitter
• Marine Carpenter
• Rigger

The position is located onsite in Norfolk, VA and will often require hours beyond a standard work week with flexible schedule availability to support production/operations. Position may require limited travel.

• Must be a United States Citizen and at least 18 years of age or older.
• Must have a High School Diploma or GED.
• Must submit Virginia Placement Test (VPT) results dated within the last 12 months to  To be eligible for an interview, the "Placement based upon results" must say:
  • For Math:
    Eligible for MAT 111
  • For English:
    Eligible for ENF 3, EDE 11 or ENG 111.
• Must demonstrate a reasonable amount of mechanical aptitude including the ability to read a ruler and perform accurate measurement.
• Must successfully pass a background check and be able to obtain/maintain access credentials to include DBIDS (for various base and shipyard access).
• Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug and physical screening.

• Must be able to lift, carry and transport heavy equipment and boxes. The exact weight requirements will be determined by the specific job, but no less than 20 lbs.
• Must be physically agile to perform tasks in naval ships. Able to work on and climb ladders, work in extreme temperature environments, aboard ships, in shipyards, under industrial conditions and in confined spaces, including enter and moving through manholes.
• Able to perform other duties as required which may involve high heat, humidity, noise and dirty conditions, working aloft or over the sides of vessels.
• Frequent exposure to noise due to machinery and equipment.
• Employee is required to operate trucks, forklifts & man-lifts.
• While performing the duties of this job, you may frequently be required to stand, walk & sit; use hands or fingers; handle or feel; talk and hear. Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, climb and balance, stoop, squat, kneel, twist and crawl.
• Work in extreme temperatures and conditions. At times you will work in areas that have less adequate ventilation.
• Protective clothing or equipment and face shields or goggles shall be worn when welding, cutting, or working with molten metal.
• Position may require frequent use of respirator.

• Colonna’s Shipyard provides a variety of benefits to support your best health, wellness, and future, to include medical/dental/vision options, company paid disability insurance, 401k with match, legal services, as well as company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).

Respect, Pride, Truth, Family – These are our VALUES and the guidelines that make us a leader in our industry. We are pleased and confident in stating that our skilled employees are among the most respected experts in the ship repair industry.

Colonna’s Shipyard Inc., and its divisions, are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.