Program Questions
The registered apprenticeship offered by the school is a full-time job. Apprentices are selected and hired to the program as vacancies occur. On-the-job training and trade theory courses in assigned shipbuilding disciplines begin immediately after hire. An apprentice’s work week is devoted to rigorous academic and trade theory course work and on-the-job training in shipbuilding trades. Academic course work begins within the first six months of apprenticeship.
An apprentice is placed in a shipbuilding discipline selected during the application process and works in that trade for the duration of his or her apprenticeship. Advanced disciplines are for current apprentices selected for these programs and are not available upon hire.
An apprentice is placed in one of three disciplines selected during the application process and works in that trade for the duration of his or her apprenticeship.
Students who began their apprenticeship on or after July 27, 2020 will graduate with an associate of applied science degree in their assigned trade. All apprentices graduate with a certificate of apprenticeship. Apprentices who excel in the World Class Shipbuilder Curriculum, Trade Related Education Curriculum and their shipbuilding discipline may be considered for an advanced discipline, where they complete strategically timed on-the-job training and academic coursework toward an associate degree offered in partnership with local community colleges.
Transfer credit may be awarded for some World Class Shipbuilder Curriculum courses based on official transcript grades from accredited postsecondary education institutions and on math and english placement test results. Transfer credit is also considered based upon the course work requirements of individual advanced disciplines.
The average apprenticeship is completed in four to five years.
While many Apprentice School alumni go on to enjoy lucrative and fulfilling careers with Newport News Shipbuilding, continued employment with the company post apprenticeship is not required.
No, an applicant may not switch their trade once selected.
There are four terms in the World Class Shipbuilding Curriculum. There are breaks between terms; however, when apprentices are not attending classes, they are expected to be working in the shipyard.
The Apprentice School does not offer student housing. Housing is the responsibility of each student. There are apartments very close to The Apprentice School as well as in the surrounding area for an apprentice to consider when searching for housing.
Application Questions
All applicants must fulfill the minimum requirements as specified on the application page here.
Admission to The Apprentice School is competitive, and many applicants possess college degrees and have completed military service. Meeting the minimum requirements does not ensure selection.
The application fee is $45 and is non-refundable. Applicants are encouraged to ensure they meet the minimum requirements for consideration before applying. Current employees of Newport News Shipbuilding and veterans are exempt from the processing fee. Please contact the admissions office for fee exemption at (757)380-3809.
The application fee must be paid online by credit card or in person at the Admissions Office by check or money order.
Physical Address –
The Apprentice School
Admissions Office
3101 Washington Ave. 1st Floor
Newport News, VA 23607
The application fee is waived for Military: Reservists & Veterans, Good Life Solutions, and Youth Builders students.
Yes, transcripts are required from all high schools and colleges attended regardless of degree completion. This includes any Dual Enrollment or AP score information. Not sending all transcripts can be classified as falsifying records.
A hard copy of an official transcript comes in a sealed envelope. Once the envelope has been opened, it is no longer an official transcript. Another option to obtain an official transcript is available through
Parchment. Send all official transcripts to The Apprentice School.
Physical Address –
The Apprentice School
Admissions Office
4101 Washington Ave. 1st Floor
Newport News, VA 23607
An unofficial transcript is one printed from a student portal or one that is not in a sealed envelope from the institution. Unofficial transcripts will not be accepted.
High School-Please contact the school board education office in the city in which you attended high school. They should be able to provide a transcript.
College-If you have an outstanding balance, the college may not be able to provide an official transcript. You will need to pay off the balance before one can be issued. If the college you attended has closed, please contact Admissions at The Apprentice School.
Only complete applications of applicants who meet the minimum requirements are considered.
An applicant will receive information about application status via the email address used when applying. Check your spam email to ensure updates were not sent inadvertently by your email provider.
If the school chooses to extend an offer to an applicant, he or she can expect to receive an offer within 60 to 90 days after the interview.
Log in to the applicant portal to check the status. In addition, monitor your email (inbox and spam box).
There is no deadline to apply. The Apprentice School hires throughout the year.
Please check your candidate portal for your current status. If nothing has changed, please be patient as our admissions process can be lengthy. As soon as your status changes, you will be contacted via email.
Interview Process Questions
A valid government issued unexpired passport AND social security card
OR
An original birth certificate (with raised seal) AND social security card AND a valid government issued photo ID (driver’s license).
Please refer to your interview email with more information regarding your interview.
Copies of certifications, qualifications, résumé, and letters of recommendation, while not required for the interview, are helpful.
A typical employment interview lasts approximately three hours and includes an overview of The Apprentice School, a guided tour of the shipyard and an employment interview.
Based on the needs of the company, start dates vary throughout the year and is typically the first week of a month.
Athletics Questions
Builders Athletics offers Division III-level competition in football, wrestling, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball and golf.
Visit Gobuilders.com to learn more about Builder Athletics and complete a recruit questionnaire.
While intramural sports are not currently offered, a variety of opportunities are available for apprentices to develop their leadership skills, network and show their school spirit.
