Congressman Don Davis Discusses Regional Workforce Needs at Newport News Shipbuilding
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) visited Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII’s) Newport News Shipbuilding division alongside Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03). They joined local industry officials, North Carolina community colleges, and workforce development representatives to tour the facility and discuss job opportunities for more North Carolina residents.
“We must consider regional and cross-state approaches to meet workforce demands and offer young professionals career opportunities to pursue the American dream. There are great prospects here, all while ensuring the safety of the American people,” said Congressman Don Davis. “As a House Armed Services Committee member, I will continue to fight to support our naval assets while ensuring a pathway to good-paying jobs. Amidst increasing foreign threats, the United States must maintain a strong shipbuilding base to safeguard national security.”
Newport News Shipbuilding employs a large number of North Carolinians and is currently hiring to support the construction of the U.S. Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines.
“It was my honor to welcome Congressman Davis to The Apprentice School - one of the preeminent apprenticeship programs in the nation, as well as a source of tremendous pride for Newport News. Congressman Davis represents over a thousand shipbuilders in North Carolina who commute to Newport News daily for work. As a Member of the House Armed Services Committee, he is doing everything he can to ensure that the graduates of The Apprentice School are well prepared to continue our region’s long tradition of building the most complex and powerful naval vessels in the world. Our shipbuilders are critical to our national security and are a major economic driver for the region. We had a good discussion on workforce development, and I look forward to working together in the future,” said Congressman Bobby Scott.
A shortage of trained personnel has been identified as one of the biggest hindrances to meeting the increased workforce demand across the maritime industry, including shipbuilding. North Carolinians with no technical skills in shipbuilding can receive training and build a career at Newport News Shipbuilding, where the average starting salary for a tradesperson is higher than the median income in Pasquotank County in northeastern North Carolina.
"NNS relies on a large and diverse workforce from Virginia and around the country to build the world’s greatest aircraft carriers and submarines,” said Xavier Beale, NNS vice president of human resources and trades administration. “We appreciate the opportunity to engage with leaders in higher education and workforce development from Northeastern North Carolina to strengthen training programs there and create additional opportunities for North Carolinians to become shipbuilders.”
Photos from the facility visited are available at this link.