Trades Trainee - Sheet Metal Mechanic

General Dynamics Corporation; Norfolk (VA); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

General Dynamics NASSCO in Norfolk, VA seeks five Trades Trainee Sheet Metal Mechanics to start a 20-week training program in the Pipefitter department. The role requires basic math, safety focus, and ability to obtain Navy badges. Training progresses toward skilled sheet metal trades supporting Navy and shipyard operations.

The program emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and hands-on learning with day shifts 0600–1445, occasional second shift, and potential travel as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required or preferred.
• Trade school education preferred for sheet metal mechanics.
• Ability to access Navy installations and obtain badges.

Responsibilities

• Successfully complete designated training program and obtain required certifications.
• Organize and maintain stockrooms and material staging areas.
• Ensure training/qualification for assigned work.
• Perform job safely with attention to hazards and quality control.
• Maintain clean, hazard-free work environment and depart safely.
• Follow timekeeping procedures and other company policies.
• Be aware of emergency procedures and muster locations.
• Wear appropriate PPE and navigate ship compartments as needed.
• Follow directions from lead mechanic; perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Adaptability

Collaboration

Communication

Results Driven

Initiative

Problem Solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Trade school education preferred

Job description

General Dynamics NASSCO is a proud member of the General Dynamics Marine Systems business unit. In addition to ship construction, our capabilities include advanced ship repair, conversion, and maintenance for both commercial and national defense assets. We encourage you to learn more about our open positions and how you can become part of the important and exciting work we do here at NASSCO. Come join our team! We currently have an exciting opportunity in our Pipefitter department. This position specifically is located in Norfolk, Virginia. We are looking for Five Trades Trainee Sheet Metal Mechanics. The work schedule is 0600 to 1445.

Responsibilities for this Position

Trades Trainee - Sheet Metal Mechanic

Location: Norfolk, VA, US, 23523

National Steel and Shipbuilding Com

Must be able to access all Navy installations and other shipyards by obtaining DBIDS and NAVSEA badges.

Security Clearance: No Clearance

Purpose and Functions

The Trades Trainee position is the first step into an exciting and new career in the shipyard. As you work your way through this 20-week program you will have class time hours and hands-on training to get you started on the path to becoming a skilled tradesperson supporting our Navy customers and working in the shipyards and on Navy bases. The hours are 0600 to 1445 with a 45-minute lunch.

Education, Experience & Certifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is typically required.
• Trade school education is preferred.

Required Company-wide Competencies

• Adaptability: Anticipates and effectively handles change. Willingly accepts new ideas.
• Collaboration: Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives. Seeks and values others opinions.
• Communication: Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing in English.
• Results Driven: Effectively manages time and resources to ensure work is completed efficiently and in line with priorities.
• Initiative: Proactively identifies a need, takes responsibility, and acts on it without being prompted.
• Problem Solving & Decision Making: Identifies problems, solves them, acts decisively, and shows good judgement.

Responsibilities

• Successfully complete designated training program(s) and obtain required certifications.
• Organize, arrange, and maintain order in stockrooms and other material staging areas.
• Ensure that you are trained or qualified for the work you are assigned to accomplish.
• Perform job safely, with the ability to recognize and avoid potential safety hazards and maintain quality control at all times.
• Demonstrate good housekeeping skills to maintain a clean, hazard-free work environment and to ensure that job site is left in a safe and clean condition prior to departure.
• Follow established policies and procedures, including but not limited to timekeeping procedures.
• Be fully aware of emergency and evacuation procedures, to include muster locations and the supervisors requirement to account for personnel.
• Know and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for assigned work.
• Ability to navigate a ship and understand compartment designation, where applicable.
• Must have basic knowledge of math.
• Follow directions from a lead mechanic.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

• Carrying and lifting
• Walking, sitting, and standing
• Climbing and crawling
• Crouching, stooping, and kneeling
• Pulling and reaching
• Accessing and navigating vessels
• Hearing, speaking, and meeting the visual requirements necessary to perform assigned work safely

Working Relationships

• Reports to the shop foreman and general foreman.
• Works closely with and receives direction from a lead mechanic.

Additional Requirements

• Regular and reliable on-site attendance is an essential function of the job.
• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Must be able to obtain and maintain access to Navy installations and vessels (i.e. DBIDS and NAVSEA badges).
• Must be able to pass a background check and a pre-employment drug screen.
• May be required to work 2nd shift, 1500 to 2300.
• May require travel.

General Dynamics NASSCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal

If you have a disability that impacts your ability to complete the job application process and would like to request an accommodation, please contact our Human Resources Department.

Call [phone]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only, not to inquire about the status of applications. NASSCO is an Equal Opportunity / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans Employer

Nearest Major Market: Hampton Roads

Job Segment: Maintenance Mechanic, Security Clearance, Military, Defense, Mechanic, Manufacturing, Government

PI287302689

General Dynamics NASSCO designs and builds auxiliary and support ships for the U.S. Navy, as well as oil tankers and dry cargo carriers for commercial markets. The company also provides repair services that assists with the overall readiness of the U.S. Navy.