Gloucester High School math teacher Ashley Foster was always curious about what was happening inside Newport News Shipbuilding’s gates.

“I have family who work here, so I’ve always been interested in what they actually do and see every day,” she said. “They tell stories, but I couldn’t actually picture it.”

Thanks to NNS’ teacher internship program, held in July, Foster and other educators from across the region had an opportunity to experience what it is like to be a shipbuilder. During the two-week program – a partnership involving Community Relations, Trades Training and Talent Acquisition – the educators were exposed to different facets of shipbuilding, including hands-on experience with trades.

The goal is for the educators to act as ambassadors for NNS, helping to spread the word about shipbuilding careers with students and families.

“We are so excited to be able to bring this program back after taking a break during the pandemic. This program gives us the best opportunities to influence those who are influencing the youth on a day-to-day basis. It’s always amazing to see the reaction of the educators as they experience all that NNS has to offer,” said Gary Artybridge Jr., manager of Corporate Citizenship and Education Outreach.

Foster said seeing shipbuilders in their element was an “eye-opening” experience that she will never forget.

“Working in Gloucester, a lot of my students are interested in coming here or have family who work here, so I wanted to have more information to give them about what goes on here beyond what’s on the website,” she said. “With this information, we can go back to school and touch so many students, colleagues and even our own family members.”

Brenda Payne, a special education teacher at Crittenden Middle School in Newport News, said she was interested in learning skills she could take back to the classroom to prepare her students for future careers. “I’m a hands-on learner, so in order for me to effectively pass that information on to my students, I have to experience it,” she said.

Payne said she was glad to learn about the opportunities for growth and to see a family atmosphere at the shipyard.

“The employees take pride in what they do, and we want our kids to learn how to take pride in what they do on a day-to-day basis,” she said.

Victoria Boyer, who teaches oceanography, environmental science and Advanced Placement (AP) environmental science at Lafayette High School in Williamsburg, said she sees opportunity for many of her students.

“I see a gap with our students. There are those who want to go to college, and then there are the students who don’t want to go to college and don’t know what else there is to do,” she said. “I want to help them get out there, be good citizens and participate in the economy while finding a passion.”

Chris Keyes, a special education teacher at the Norfolk City Jail, said he saw value in the experience, especially for the nontraditional 18- to 22-year-old students he teaches.

“The shipyard provides a real possibility to be successful,” he said.