Newport News Shipbuilding and The Apprentice School recently hosted a group representing the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Arthur McMahan was among the visitors to tour NNS facilities. He said The Apprentice School model – training connected to a specific industry that allows students to learn while they are being paid – is appealing and could be emulated at other institutions.

“What our society needs today is well-rounded citizens who can thrive in any environment,” McMahan said. “Educating the workforce is the priority for the Department of Education. We understand the skills needed to support this economy. Having schools focused on developing those skills and providing decent salaries so that people can lift their families from one level to the next is very important.”

Dr. Latitia McCane, director of Education at The Apprentice School, was glad to welcome the delegation – which included Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston, president of Norfolk State University – to NNS and The Apprentice School.

McCane said she hopes the visit sparks continued collaboration. It could help strengthen the existing pipeline of talent from HBCUs to NNS. The schools could also benefit from stronger connections with industry partners, allowing them to build curriculum that provides specific, in-demand technical and soft skills.