As part of the Choice Neighborhood Initiative, the City of Newport News partnered with Newport News Shipbuilding to recruit, train and prepare residents of the Marshall-Ridley neighborhood and Southeast Community for marine trades careers. These training programs and wraparound services create a hiring pipeline, with graduates securing full-time employment with Newport News Shipbuilding, starting at $19 per hour.
The Maritime Trades Training Program is a partnership between Newport News Shipbuilding, Virginia Ship Repair Association, other local training facilities and several local community colleges. The course-to-hire marine trainee program includes two- or three-week training courses that provide the skills needed to begin full-time, high-wage trades careers with Newport News Shipbuilding upon graduation. Wraparound services available include tuition costs, steeltoed boots, childcare, transportation and financial counseling.