SHEET METAL WORKER TRAINEE - 2 WEEK UNPAID PROGRAM

Newport News Shipbuilding, A Division of HII; Newport News (VA); On-site; USD 53,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Newport News Shipbuilding is offering a Sheet Metal Trainee program for individuals seeking to start a career in shipbuilding. The unpaid two‑week training precedes full‑time work in a highly skilled team that fabricates and installs sheet metal components for aircraft carriers and submarines.

The role emphasizes safety, adaptability, and physical fitness, with extensive on‑the‑job training and opportunities to advance as you learn the trade.

Qualifications

• Candidates must be 18 years or older and legally eligible to work in the U.S.
• Must be able to pass a 2‑week unpaid training program (80 hours), 7:00am – 3:30pm.
• Must be willing to undergo a background investigation and drug screen.
• Must be able to pass a physical agility test.
• Must be able to lift at least 40 pounds.
• Must be able to work outdoors year‑round in all weather conditions.
• Must be comfortable working in confined spaces and at heights.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate, assemble and install a wide variety of sheet metal components.
• Work from detailed technical documents and guidelines.
• Operate a range of hand tools and power equipment.
• Receive formal and on‑the‑job training to build sheet metal skills.

Skills

Willingness to learn

Physical stamina

Education

High school graduate

Tools

Drills

Rivet guns

Grinders

Miter saws

Band saws

Nibblers

Plasma cutters

Rollers

Shears

Press brakes

CNC fabricators

Job description

Req ID: 49296

Team: X32 SHEET METAL DEPT

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 Requirements: Yes, 10%-25% of the time

Clearance Required: No - Clearance Not Required to Start

Salary Range: $53,248.00 to $55,640.00

The anticipated salary range represents the estimated base pay for this role. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors, and may vary from the posted range

Meet HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding

With more 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. We collaborate together at the forefront of technology, manufacturing, and integration of the most powerful and survivable naval ships in the world.

The Role

This position is for job seekers with no trades experience willing to complete two weeks of unpaid training in the Sheet Metal 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 8-20 students per class.

The Sheet Metal Trainee program is offered at Tidewater Community College/ TCC Skilled Trades Academy 3303 Airline Blvd Portsmouth VA 23701 . This (UNPAID) program is 2-weeks (80 hours), 7:00am – 3:30pm (Monday thru Friday).

The Sheet Metal Department is a highly skilled team responsible for fabricating, assembling and installing a wide variety of components on aircraft carriers and submarines. These components include ventilation systems, metal joiner bulkheads, framing, furniture, cabinetry, lockers, ladders, handrails, foundations, weapons spaces, and wet spaces. As a sheet metal worker, you will work according to detailed technical documents and procedural guidelines.

Sheet Metal workers will utilize a variety of hand tools and power equipment, including drills, rivet guns, grinders, miter saws, band saws, nibblers, plasma arc cutters, rollers, shears, press brakes and CNC fabricators. The Sheet Metal Department will provide formal and on‑the‑job training, covering basic sheet metal techniques and tack welding, as well as any specific training requirements for your role.

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.

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

https://youtu.be/1nBomUCLtog

https://youtu.be/Ht130D‑oD3Y

Must Have

• Candidates must be 18 years of age or older and legally eligible to work in the U.S.
• Must be able to pass a 2‑week (UNPAID) program (80 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 at extreme heights
• Must be able to perform work outdoors, year‑round, in all weather conditions
• Must be able to work in small, tight, confined spaces
• Must be able to take measurements or be willing to learn
• Must be willing to work in radiation areas, but with the appropriate training and equipment
• Must be able to be clean shaven to wear a respirator
• Must be able to work overtime as needed
• Must be willing to work any shift

Nice to Have

• High school graduate or equivalent preferred

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.

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, you’ll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career.

Working at HII is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to build a future. We offer comprehensive benefits including: medical, prescription drug, dental and vision plan choices, on‑site health centers, tele‑medicine, wellness resources, employee assistance programs, savings plan options (401K), financial education and planning tools, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts, early childhood and post‑secondary education scholarships, and more. Some benefits may vary depending on your specific division or work 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, 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 e‑mail to [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case‑by‑case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this e‑mail address.

Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #2 for Newport News Shipbuilding.