Trades Trainee - Shipfitter

About the role

General Dynamics NASSCO, a member of the General Dynamics Marine Systems business unit, performs ship construction, advanced ship repair, conversion, and maintenance for commercial and national defense assets. The opening is for five Trades Trainee Pipefitter positions located in Norfolk, Virginia. The standard work schedule is 0600 to 1445 with a 45‑minute lunch. Trainees must obtain DBIDS and NAVSEA badges to access Navy installations and shipyards; no security clearance is required. A potential 2nd shift (1500–2300) may be required.

Purpose and functions

The Trades Trainee position is the first step into a shipyard career. Over a 20‑week program you will receive classroom instruction and hands‑on training to begin the path to becoming a skilled tradesperson supporting Navy customers and working in shipyards and on Navy bases.

Education, experience & certification

High school diploma or equivalent is typically required; trade school education is preferred.

Skills (company‑wide competencies)

• Adaptability: Anticipates and effectively handles change; willingly accepts new ideas.
• Collaboration: Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives; seeks and values others’ opinions.
• Communication: Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing in English.
• Results Driven: Effectively manages time and resources to ensure work is completed efficiently and in line with priorities.
• Initiative: Proactively identifies a need, takes responsibility, and acts on it without being prompted.
• Problem Solving & Decision Making: Identifies problems, solves them, acts decisively, and shows good judgement.

Responsibilities

• Successfully complete designated training program(s) and obtain required certifications.
• Organize, arrange, and maintain order in stockrooms and other material staging areas.
• Ensure you are trained or qualified for the work assigned.
• Perform job safely, recognize and avoid potential safety hazards, and maintain quality control.
• Demonstrate good housekeeping skills to maintain a clean, hazard‑free work environment and leave the job site safe and clean prior to departure.
• Follow established policies and procedures, including timekeeping procedures.
• Be fully aware of emergency and evacuation procedures, including muster locations and supervisors’ requirement to account for personnel.
• Know and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for assigned work.
• Ability to navigate a ship and understand compartment designation, where applicable.
• Must have basic knowledge of math.
• Follow directions from a lead mechanic.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical requirements

The Trades Trainee must be able to perform the following activities, with or without reasonable accommodation: carrying and lifting; walking, sitting, and standing; climbing and crawling; crouching, stooping, and kneeling; pulling and reaching; accessing and navigating vessels; hearing, speaking, and meeting the visual requirements necessary to perform assigned work safely.

Working relationships

Reports to the shop foreman and general foreman. Works closely with and receives direction from a lead mechanic.

Additional requirements

• Regular and reliable on‑site attendance is an essential function of the job.
• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Must be able to obtain and maintain access to Navy installations and vessels (i.e., DBIDS and NAVSEA badges).
• Must be able to pass a background check and a pre‑employment drug screen.
• May be required to work 2nd shift (1500 to 2300).
• May require travel.