Newport News Shipbuilding is welcoming more than two dozen graduating high school seniors to shipbuilding careers. Photo by Ashley Cowan.

High School Seniors Commit to Shipbuilding Careers

Published May 13, 2026

Dozens of high school seniors have committed to meaningful careers at Newport News Shipbuilding after graduation this year.

NNS participated in the New Horizons Regional Education Centers (NHREC) Good Life Solution Program’s Career Selection Day Thursday, May 7. At the event, 32 students accepted employment offers from NNS, to either begin full-time trade positions at the shipyard or attend The NNS Apprentice School.

The Good Life Solution Program is a collaborative effort between NHREC and local employers aimed at improving the way companies recruit, hire, train and retain entry-level new talent directly out of high school.

Eighteen high school students accepted offers to attend The Apprentice School during the Youth Builders ceremony. Photo by Rachel Wigham.

In addition, The Apprentice School held a ceremony April 28 to recognize high school students who participated in the Youth Builders program, a pre-apprenticeship workforce readiness program open to 11th- and 12th-grade students with interest in shipbuilding careers. Eighteen of those students accepted offers to attend The Apprentice School.

“These students aren’t just accepting a job offer, they are committing to a rewarding career that directly contributes to our national security,” said Xavier Beale, NNS vice president of Human Resources. “Our shipbuilding family is stronger with their passion and dedication and we know this is an important step as they build their careers with us.”