WELDER/STRUCTURE TRAINEE - 3 WEEK UNPAID PROGRAM (11:00PM-7:00AM)

HII; Newport News (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking individuals eager to start their careers in welding through a unique 3-week unpaid training program. This opportunity is designed for those with no prior experience or those holding relevant certifications. Trainees will gain hands-on experience in a supportive environment, learning essential skills to perform structural and pipe welds for naval ships. The program emphasizes safety, precision, and adaptability, preparing participants for a rewarding career in a dynamic field. Join a team that values growth, innovation, and the art of shipbuilding.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Discounts

401K Savings Plan

On-site Health Centers

Wellness Resources

Qualifications

• Must be able to pass a physical agility test and background investigation.
• Willingness to work in challenging conditions and perform outdoor work year-round.

Responsibilities

• Complete a 3-week unpaid training program in welding.
• Perform structural and pipe welds using various welding processes.

Skills

Welding

Physical Agility

Safety Awareness

Education

High School Diploma

Welding Certification

Job description

WELDER/STRUCTURE TRAINEE - 3 WEEK UNPAID PROGRAM (11:00PM-7:00AM)

Join to apply for the WELDER/STRUCTURE TRAINEE - 3 WEEK UNPAID PROGRAM (11:00PM-7:00AM) role at HII

WELDER/STRUCTURE TRAINEE - 3 WEEK UNPAID PROGRAM (11:00PM-7:00AM)

1 week ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Join to apply for the WELDER/STRUCTURE TRAINEE - 3 WEEK UNPAID PROGRAM (11:00PM-7:00AM) role at HII

Req ID: 41550

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), 11:00PM to 7:00AM (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 being your career by qualifying though 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

Must be able to pass a 3-week (UNPAID) program (120 hours), 1100PM to 7:00AM (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 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.

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.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Internship

Employment type

• Employment type

  Internship

Job function

• Job function

  Management and Manufacturing

• Industries

  Defense and Space Manufacturing

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