Newport News Shipbuilding is welcoming more than 50 graduating high school seniors to shipbuilding careers through an innovative outreach program coordinated with 14 schools across Virginia.

Workforce Attraction Via Experienced Shipbuilders, known as WAVES, embeds experienced skilled tradespeople from NNS into high schools that offer technical career education curriculums. These shipbuilders, known as scouts, visit the school at least once a month, where they build trusted relationships with career counselors and engage with students to provide mentorship, tutoring support and information on career opportunities in shipbuilding.

“WAVES bridges the gap between education and hands-on experience, equipping students with knowledge, confidence and connections needed to excel in their chosen fields,” said Xavier Beale, vice president of Human Resources. “Through personalized guidance and partnerships, we are building the next generation of skilled professionals and we’re thrilled to have these students join our powerful mission at Newport News Shipbuilding.”

NNS hosted its first welcoming ceremony Wednesday for students recruited through WAVES mentorships who have accepted offers of employment with the company. The event recognized the students’ accomplishments and offered an introduction to the shipyard and their new teammates.