The Virginia Community College System recently recognized the Marine Trades Training (MTT) program – a partnership with Newport News Shipbuilding, the Virginia Ship Repair Association and the Hampton Roads Workforce Council – that prepares participants for careers in the shipbuilding and ship repair industries.

The program received this year’s award for Outstanding Achievement through a Collaboration or Consortia of Partners. MTT operates through the Community College Workforce Cooperative at Camp, Tidewater and Virginia Peninsula community colleges.

The program has trained about 3,400 participants in six trades. MTT boasts a 90% hire rate for those who complete the program.

“Newport News Shipbuilding is proud of our partnership with the Virginia Community College System. Together, we’re working to develop and deliver best-in-class workforce development solutions that provide skilled talent to meet our growing regional maritime demand,” said Xavier Beale, vice president of Human Resources and Trades Administration.