Prospective Athletes

Founded in 1919, The Apprentice School at Newport News Shipbuilding a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries offers four and five-year, tuition-free apprenticeships in 26 skilled trades to qualified men and women. Apprentices work a regular 40-hour week and are paid for all work, including time spent in academic classes. A six-sport athletic program is also available.

Interested in becoming a Builder Athlete?

An online questionnaire is available for the purpose of notifying the athletic department of your interest in Apprentice School Athletics. Once submitted, the form will be forwarded to the respective coach for their review. Be sure to fill out a separate questionnaire for each sport of interest.

 

Click a sport to complete the questionnaire.


Baseball | Men's Basketball | Women's Basketball| 

Football | Golf | Wrestling

 

Frequently Asked Questions


What is apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a formal training program which allows a worker to receive thorough instruction and experience – both theoretical and practical – in the various aspects of a skilled trade. Today’s apprentices are fully-trained, well-paid men and women acquiring skills and knowledge that will serve them well throughout their careers.


Tell me about the academic curriculum at The Apprentice School?
The required academic curriculum consists of instruction in the subject matter area of computers, technical math, drafting, naval architecture and marine engineering, business processes, physical science and technical communications taught by the Academic Instructors of The Apprentice School. Seven optional programs, Advanced Shipyard Operations Curriculum, Production Planner, Modeling & Simulation, Cost Estimator, Nuclear Test Technician, Marine Engineer and Marine Designer, are offered on a competitive basis to those apprentices who desire additional education and who meet established performance standards in the required course work. The School operates on a trimester academic calendar, with fall, winter and spring/summer semesters.


What programs of study are available to apprentices?

  • Coating Specialist
  • Cost Estimator
  • Dimension Control Technician
  • Electrician
  • Electrician (Maintenance)
  • Heating & Air Conditioning Worker
  • Heavy Metal Fabricator
  • Insulator
  • Machinist
  • Marine Designer
  • Millwright
  • Modeling & Simulation
  • Molder 
  • Non-Destructive Tester
  • Nuclear Test Technician
  • Outside Machinist
  • Pipefitter
  • Pipefitter (Maintenance)
  • Production Planner
  • Rigger
  • Sheet Metal Worker
  • Shipfitter
  • Welder
  • Welding Equipment Repairer

How is craft training accomplished?
During the 7,000 hours of on-job-training, apprentices are supervised and evaluated by qualified craft instructors. In addition to teaching the various theory classes, the instructors coordinate a job rotation schedule, assuring complete insight/understanding of the technical production demands of each trade.


What are the entrance requirements for one to be considered for admission?
Applicants must be 18 years old, be physically able to perform the duties of the trade requested, be able to obtain the proper security clearance, and have the equivalent of a high school diploma with at least four of the following courses:

  • Algebra I (not Pre-algebra)
  • Algebra II
  • Geometry
  • Advanced Math
  • Physics or Principles of Technology
  • Chemistry
  • Mechanical Drawing
  • Vocational/Technical (Shop) or Computer Science

Does The Apprentice School provide extra-curricular activities for those enrolled?
The Apprentice School Student Association provides many extra-curricular activities such as: dances, picnics, dinner cruises, educational workshops, financial seminars and community services.


What pay scale can I expect while at The Apprentice School?

  2/7/22 2/6/23 2/5/24 2/10/25 2/9/26
Pay Classification Period 1 Period 2 Period 3 Period 4 Period 5
Completion $30.77 $30.77 $31.46 $32.41 $33.38
Beginning 8th Term $29.61 $29.61 $30.28 $31.19 $32.12
Beginning 7th Term $28.87 $28.87 $29.52 $30.40 $31.31
Beginning 6th Term $27.89 $27.89 $28.52 $29.38 $30.26
Beginning 5th Term $27.10 $27.10 $27.71 $28.54 $29.39
Beginning 4th Term $25.53 $25.53 $25.90 $26.67 $27.47
Beginning 3rd Term $24.13 $24.13 $24.67 $25.41 $26.17
Beginning 2nd Term $23.27 $23.27 $23.79 $24.50 $25.24
Mid-term of 1st Term $22.26 $22.26 $22.76 $23.45 $24.15
Beginning 1st Term $21.26 $21.26 $21.74 $22.39 $23.06

 For the purposes of this rate schedule, a term is a period of 1,000 hours worked


As an apprentice, what employment benefits are available?

  • Paid Vacation
  • Health and Life Insurance
  • Paid Holidays
  • Sickness and Accident Benefits
  • Pension Plan
  • Comprehensive Medical Plan
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • (401)K Plan

What sports are offered by The Apprentice School?
The intercollegiate athletic program provides apprentices with an opportunity to participate in college athletics at the NCAA Division III level in the following varsity sports: men’s and women’s basketball, football, baseball, wrestling and golf.  All of those teams are members of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association, while the wrestling team is also a member of the National Collegiate Wrestling Association.    


Tell me about Newport News Shipbuilding, A Division of HII?
Newport News Shipbuilding, A Division of HII - is a vast industrial manufacturing complex that covers over 550 acres along the James River. It is the largest private employer in the state of Virginia.

Our company has been a leader in the construction of U.S. Naval and commercial ships since its beginning in 1886.

The men and women of Newport News Shipbuilding, A Division of HII have been guided by a company-wide commitment to quality, an ambition to be at the forefront of industrial technology and a pride in the contributions we have made to the maritime and defense strength of our country.

For more information about Newport News Shipbuilding, A Division of HII , visit their website at http://nns.huntingtoningalls.com/


Can I apply to the Apprentice School online?
Yes, on The Apprentice School Website those interested in submitting an application can do so online. Click here to begin the process.

 

For more information on The Apprentice School, check out our website by visiting www.as.edu