Job Details

Sheet Metal Worker Trainee

This position is for job seekers with no trades experience willing to complete two weeks of unpaid training in the Sheet Metal trade.

Newport News Shipbuilding has partnered with the Virginia Ship Repair Association and local Virginia community colleges and maritime training facilities to offer several course-to-hire Marine Trades Training (MTT) programs for individuals interested in learning a trade and working full-time for Newport News Shipbuilding. Courses are offered once a month with 8-10 students per class.

The Sheet Metal Trainee program is offered at Tidewater Community College/ TCC Skilled Trades Academy 3303 Airline Blvd Portsmouth VA 23701. This (UNPAID) program is 2-weeks (80 hours), 7:00am 3:30pm (Monday thru Friday).

The Sheet Metal Department is a highly skilled team responsible for fabricating, assembling and installing a wide variety of components on aircraft carriers and submarines. These components include ventilation systems, metal joiner bulkheads, framing, furniture, cabinetry, lockers, ladders, handrails, foundations, weapons spaces, and wet spaces. As a sheet metal worker, you will work according to detailed technical documents and procedural guidelines.

Sheet Metal workers will utilize a variety of hand tools and power equipment, including drills, rivet guns, grinders, miter saws, band saws, nibblers, plasma arc cutters, rollers, shears, press brakes and CNC fabricators. The Sheet Metal Department will provide formal and on the job training, covering basic sheet metal techniques and tack welding, as well as any specific training requirements for your role.

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.

Candidates must be 18 years of age or older and legally eligible to work in the U.S. Must be able to pass a 2-week (UNPAID) program (80 hours), 7:00am 3:30pm (Monday Friday). 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 able to work ANY shift.

High school graduate or equivalent preferred.