DECK ELECTRICIAN TRAINEE

Meet HII's Newport News Shipbuilding

With more than 25,000 employees, including third-, fourth-, and fifth-generation shipbuilders, HII's Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division is the largest industrial employer in Virginia. We are the sole designer, builder, and refueler of U.S. Navy nuclear aircraft carriers and one of two providers of U.S. Navy nuclear submarines. Anchored in our rich, 135-year history, we collaborate at the forefront of technology, manufacturing, and the integration of the most powerful and survivable naval ships in the world.

We are a values and ethics-driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Our diverse workforce includes skilled tradespeople, engineers, technologists, and business professionals. Working at HII is more than a job—it's an opportunity to build a future in a supportive environment where you can grow your career through valuable educational and training programs.

About the Role

This position is designed for job seekers with no prior trades experience who are eager to launch a career in the Deck Electrician trade. Through a partnership with the Virginia Ship Repair Association and local community colleges, NNS offers the Marine Trades Training (MTT) program, a course-to-hire pathway for individuals ready to learn a trade and work full-time.

The Deck Electrician Trainee program is a two-week, unpaid intensive course (80 hours) held at Virginia Peninsula Community College in Hampton, VA. During this time, you will prepare for a career installing, repairing, overhauling, and testing electrical systems on aircraft carriers and submarines. Deck electricians play a vital role, requiring versatility to switch between complex tasks such as interpreting electrical schematics, installing lighting and receptacles, and performing electronic control installations.

The work environment is dynamic and challenging. You will often perform tasks in various weather conditions, at extreme heights on scaffolding or ladders, and in small, confined spaces like ship tanks and compartments. Success in this role requires a strong focus on safety, precision, adaptability, and physical agility.

Hiring Process

Candidates selected for this program must successfully complete the two-week (80-hour) training course, which runs from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday. The selection process includes a background investigation, a drug screen, and a physical agility test. Applicants must also be willing to work any shift and be clean-shaven to wear a respirator.

For more details on the Marine Trades Training programs and the application process, please visit the HII careers page. If you require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email buildyourcareer@hii-co.com or call 1-844-849-8463 (Press #2 for Newport News Shipbuilding).

Equal Opportunity

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. 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. U.S. Citizenship is required for this position.