WELDER/STRUCTURAL TRAINEE - 3 WEEK UNPAID PROGRAM

Huntington Ingalls•Newport News, VA

16h•$59,675 - $62,067•Onsite

About The Position

This position is for job seekers with no trades experience who are willing to complete a three-week unpaid training program in the Welder trade. Newport News Shipbuilding partners with the Virginia Ship Repair Association, local Virginia community colleges, and maritime training facilities to offer Marine Trades Training programs for people interested in learning a trade and working full-time for NNS. The welding program is offered monthly to classes of 8–10 students at Virginia Peninsula Community College in Hampton, Tidewater Community College in Portsmouth, or Camp Community College in Suffolk. The program is unpaid, lasts three weeks (120 hours), and runs from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. After training, welders begin their careers by qualifying through the shipyard’s welding school. They use a variety of welding filler metals and processes to perform structural and pipe welds throughout ship construction. Work includes tack, fillet, and full-penetration welding on steel foundations and structural and pipe joints for aircraft carriers and submarines. Welders use SMAW, FCAW, GMAW, and GTAW processes, welding in all positions with manual and mechanized techniques. Work must meet nondestructive testing requirements, including visual, ultrasonic, and radiographic inspection. Further training includes certified visual inspection, fire watch protocols, carbon arcing, and troubleshooting minor welding equipment issues. The work may take place in various weather conditions, at extreme heights on scaffolding, ladders, or elevated platforms, and in small, confined ship spaces such as tanks, compartments, or voids. The role requires a strong focus on safety, precision, and adaptability, along with physical agility and comfort working in challenging conditions.

Requirements

Must be able to pass the three-week unpaid program (120 hours), scheduled 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Must be able to take measurements or be willing to learn.
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 daily.
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 clean-shaven to wear a respirator.
Must be able to work outdoors year-round in all weather conditions.
Must be able to work at extreme heights and in small, tight, confined spaces.
Must be willing to work any shift.

Nice To Haves

High school graduate or equivalent preferred.

Responsibilities

Complete a three-week unpaid, 120-hour welding training program.
Qualify through the shipyard’s welding school.
Perform tack, fillet, and full-penetration welding on steel foundations and structural and pipe joints during ship construction.
Use welding filler metals and SMAW, FCAW, GMAW, and GTAW processes, using manual and mechanized techniques in all positions.
Meet nondestructive testing requirements, including visual, ultrasonic, and radiographic inspection.
Receive further training in certified visual inspection, fire watch protocols, carbon arcing, and troubleshooting minor welding equipment issues.