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MN100

The Apprentice School at

Newport News Shipbuilding

The Apprentice School at Huntington Ingalls Industries’ sustained the school for all these years, and as we move for-

Newport News Shipbuilding division celebrated its 100- ward, our ability to transform ourselves to continue to meet year anniversary just last month. That’s bigger news than the needs of Newport News Shipbuilding will be paramount you might otherwise think. Accordingly, the company held to our success for another 100 years.” Indeed, and over the a ceremony to mark the day – July 1, 1919 – when the last 100 years, The Apprentice School has produced more school was established. During the event, a historical high- than 10,800 graduates who have designed and built ships way marker was unveiled, and tools, textbooks, commemo- for the U.S. Navy. The school currently enrolls 850 students.

rative coins and other items were placed in a time capsule. “The Apprentice School is a national model for appren-

The alumni room also was dedicated in honor of Danny ticeship programs and a shining example of our commit-

Hunley, an Apprentice School graduate and retired vice ment to workforce development,” said Xavier Beale, New- president who was instrumental in getting the new school port News’ vice president of trades. “When an institution building built in downtown Newport News in 2013. has operated for 100 years, it’s easy to fall back on what

The school is celebrating its centennial with special we’ve always done. That’s not how you succeed. Our fac- events throughout the year and has received special proc- ulty and staff go to great lengths to make the apprentice lamations from the Commonwealth of Virginia and City experience at Newport News Shipbuilding relevant.” of Newport News. The Apprentice School accepts about 225 apprentices per

The Apprentice School opened at the end of World War I year. The school offers four- to eight-year, tuition-free ap- to recruit, train and develop shipbuilders. Since then, New- prenticeships in 19 trades and eight optional advanced pro- port News has evolved over the years and currently is un- grams. Apprentices work a 40-hour week and are paid for dergoing a massive technological transformation. Advanced all work, including time spent in academic classes. Through digital shipbuilding concepts and technology in The Ap- partnerships with Thomas Nelson Community College, prentice School curriculum are now supporting the com- Tidewater Community College and Old Dominion Uni- pany’s integration of digital technology across the shipyard. versity, The Apprentice School’s academic program provides “The Apprentice School is one of our national treasures,” the opportunity to earn associate degrees in business admin- said Latitia D. McCane, director of education at The Ap- istration, engineering and engineering technology and bach- prentice School. “Its legacy and tradition of excellence have elor’s degrees in mechanical or electrical engineering.

August 2019

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