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 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking motivated individuals to join their welding trainee program. This unique opportunity allows candidates to gain essential skills through three weeks of hands-on training, with the potential to transition into a rewarding career in shipbuilding. As a welder, you will learn to work with advanced welding techniques and equipment, contributing to the construction of powerful naval vessels. The role demands physical agility and a commitment to safety, as you will work in diverse environments, including confined spaces and at heights. This is more than just a job; it's a chance to build a future in a supportive and growth-oriented workplace.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401K Savings Plan

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Discounts

Wellness Resources

Employee Assistance Programs

Qualifications

• Must complete a 3-week unpaid training program or have a welding certificate.
• Ability to perform various welding techniques and work in confined spaces.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural and pipe welds using various welding processes.
• Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards during welding tasks.

Skills

Welding

Physical Agility

Safety Awareness

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Certificate in Welding

Tools

Welding Equipment

Respirator

Job description

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

Location: Newport News, Virginia, United States

Date: Apr 22, 2025

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

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).

As a welder, you will begin your career by qualifying through the shipyard’s state-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.

Minimum Requirements

Must 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.

Must be willing to undergo a background investigation and drug screen.

Must be able to pass a 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 overtime as needed.

Must be able to be clean shaven to wear a respirator.

Must be able to perform work outdoors, year-round, in all weather conditions.

Must be able to work at extreme heights.

Must be able to work in small, tight, confined spaces.

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.