Newport News Shipbuilding recently hosted its first-ever hiring event focused exclusively on teenagers aging out of the foster care system.

Last Wednesday’s hiring event, held in Virginia Beach, was a collaboration between NNS and Connect With a Wish, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, that connects children in foster care with resources and support.

“This is a great example of our intentional investments with external partners to ensure we reach the diverse workforce necessary to meet our hiring goals,” said Xavier Beale, vice president of Human Resources and Trades. “We appreciate the partnership with Connect With a Wish, and we look forward to welcoming our newest shipbuilders as they join our powerful national security mission at NNS.”

“Community support is critical to our success at Connect With a Wish,” said president and founder Joy Rios. “We’re grateful with the partnership of Newport News Shipbuilding and Delegate Tata as we advance our mission to help these children grow into positive and productive members of our community.”

“Making sure we connect foster children to the resources necessary to thrive as adults is a cause near and dear to my heart,” said Anne Ferrell Tata, board member of national foster care nonprofit iFoster and member of the Virginia House of Delegates whose district includes a portion of Virginia Beach. “I’m thankful for the incredible work Connect With a Wish does and for the support from Newport News Shipbuilding to ensure these young adults have an opportunity to build rewarding careers serving our national security.”

NNS is on track to hire approximately 3,000 skilled trade positions by the end of this year to meet the Navy’s shipbuilding needs and anticipates hiring nearly 19,000 people within the next decade as it continues its support of the Navy’s mission.