WELDER/STRUCTURAL TRAINEE - COMPLETE 3 WEEKS OF FREE TRADES TRAINING OR HAVE A CURRENT CERTIFICATION

Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.; Newport News (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking motivated individuals for a Welder/Structural Trainee position. This role offers a unique opportunity to undergo three weeks of comprehensive training or to leverage existing certifications. As a trainee, you'll learn essential welding techniques and safety protocols while working in a dynamic environment. The program is designed for those eager to start a rewarding career in shipbuilding, contributing to the construction of advanced naval vessels. Join a diverse team where your skills will be valued and nurtured, and embark on a fulfilling career path with ample growth opportunities.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401K

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Discounts

Scholarships

On-site Health Centers

Telemedicine

Wellness Resources

Qualifications

• Must be able to pass a 3-week unpaid training program.
• Certificates in Welding or related fields are encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural and pipe welds throughout ship construction.
• Use various welding processes and techniques.

Skills

Welding

Physical Agility

Safety Awareness

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Certificate in Welding

Job description

WELDER/STRUCTURAL TRAINEE - COMPLETE 3 WEEKS OF FREE TRADES TRAINING OR HAVE A CURRENT CERTIFICATION

Join to apply for the WELDER/STRUCTURAL TRAINEE - COMPLETE 3 WEEKS OF FREE TRADES TRAINING OR HAVE A CURRENT CERTIFICATION role at HII

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WELDER/STRUCTURAL TRAINEE - COMPLETE 3 WEEKS OF FREE TRADES TRAINING OR HAVE A CURRENT CERTIFICATION

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Join to apply for the WELDER/STRUCTURAL TRAINEE - COMPLETE 3 WEEKS OF FREE TRADES TRAINING OR HAVE A CURRENT CERTIFICATION role at HII

Req ID: 41552
Team: X18 WELDERS
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 – 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. Anchored in our rich, 135-year history, we collaborate together at the forefront of technology, manufacturing, and integration of the most powerful and survivable naval ships in the world. Want to be part of the team? Apply today! We look forward to meeting you.

The Role

This position is for job seekers with no trades experience willing to complete three weeks of unpaid training in the Welder trade or for job seekers with a certificate in a related trades field.

Newport News Shipbuilding has partnered with the Virginia Ship Repair Association, local Virginia community colleges and maritime training facilities, to offer Marine Trades Training (MTT) programs for individuals interested in learning a trade and working full-time for NNS. The Welding trainee program is offered once a month with 8-10 students per class, and is held at Virginia Peninsula Community College (Hampton, VA), Tidewater Community College (Portsmouth, VA), or Camp Community College (Suffolk, VA). Each (UNPAID) program is 3-weeks (120 hours), 7:00am – 3:30pm (Monday thru Friday).

Candidates who have received and provide a certificate or diploma in Welding or directly related field are encouraged to apply and may be eligible to waive the completion of the trainee program. Directly related fields include AWS Welding (SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, and/or FCAW).

To learn more about the Marine Trades Training (MTT) programs and how the process works, please visit: https://hii.com/careers/nns-marine-trades-trainee-programs/

As a welder, you will begin your career by qualifying through the shipyard’s start-of-the-art welding school. Upon completion, you will use a variety of welding filler metals and processes to perform structural and pipe welds throughout all phases of ship construction. Welders are responsible for tack, fillet, and full penetration welding on steel foundations, as well as structural and pipe joints for aircraft carriers and submarines.

Welders will employ various welding processes including SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding), FCAW (Flux Cored Arc Welding), GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding), and GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding), and perform welding in all positions using both manual and mechanized techniques. All work will meet stringent nondestructive testing requirements, including visual inspection, ultrasonic inspection, and radiographic inspection. Additionally, welders will receive further training in certified visual inspection, fire watch protocols, carbon arcing, and troubleshooting minor welding equipment issues.

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: https://youtu.be/FETHnJ854Qs?si=HS0UmOkcAxVuILrS

Must Have

• Be able to pass a 3-week (UNPAID) program (120 hours), 7:00am – 3:30pm (Monday – Friday) OR present one or more certificates of completion or diploma in Welding or a directly related field from a high school vocational program, community college, trade school, technical college, apprentice program, post-secondary institution, or military equivalent.
• Willing to undergo a background investigation and drug screen
• Able to pass physical agility test
• Capable of kneeling, squatting, crawling, bending, stooping, and climbing daily
• Able to lift at least 40 pounds
• Able to perform overhead work
• Willing to work overtime as needed
• Must be able to be clean shaven to wear a respirator
• Capable of working outdoors in all weather conditions year-round
• Able to work at extreme heights
• Able to work in small, tight, confined spaces
• 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; AI/ML experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business professionals.

Recognized as one of America’s top large company employers, we are a values-driven organization prioritizing safety and well-being. We offer a supportive environment, competitive benefits, and educational and training programs to support career growth at every stage.

Working at HII is more than a job — it’s an opportunity to build a future. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, on-site health centers, tele-medicine, wellness resources, 401K, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts, scholarships, and more. Benefits may vary by division or location.

Equal Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of 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 some roles.

Need Assistance?

If you require reasonable accommodation during the employment process, contact [e-mail] or call 1-844-849-8463 (Press #2 for Newport News Shipbuilding). Reasonable accommodations are considered case-by-case.