Newport News Shipbuilding breaks ground on new apprentice training school campus
Huntington Ingalls Industries announce that its Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division broke ground on the shipyard's new Apprentice School campus. Apprentice School students, faculty and staff were joined by Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, U.S. Reps. Scott Rigell, Bobby Scott and Rob Wittman, Newport News Mayor McKinley Price, HII leadership and other business and community leaders at the construction site for a ceremonial ground-breaking event.
Armada Hoffler, the City of Newport News, the Commonwealth of Virginia and NNS have partnered on the project, which will include an 80,000-square-foot school, workforce housing, retail space and a parking garage. The campus will be located between 31st and 34th streets, bordered by Washington and West avenues.
More than 100 faculty and staff teach 25 different programs and more than 75 course offerings at The Apprentice School. Since 1919, the programs have produced more than 9,600 graduates in support of NNS's operational needs. An apprenticeship is a formal training program that allows students to receive instruction and experience — both theoretical and practical — in the various aspects of a skilled trade.
The Apprentice School attracts an average of 4,500 applicants per year for 280 openings. The school offers four- and five-year, tuition-free apprenticeships in 25 occupations to qualified men and women. Apprentices work a regular 40-hour week and are paid for all work, including time spent in academic classes.