WEDNESDAY. JUNE 16. 2021
Marine Skilled Trade Trainees Wanted
City and shipyard partnership leads to training and jobs for
Southeast Community residents
Interested in training for a job in the shipbuilding industry? As part of the Choice Neighborhood Initiative, the City of Newport News is partnering with Newport News Shipbuilding to recruit, train and prepare residents of the Marshall-Ridley neighborhood and Southeast Community for a range of marine trades careers. This initiative utilizes the Maritime Trades Training Program and other pre-employment programs to build a hiring and training pipeline in the neighborhood. Wrap-around services to support trainees are also available to encourage successful completion of the program. Graduation from the training course will lead to an offer of full-time employment with Newport News Shipbuilding at a starting pay of around $19 per hour.  
 
Newport News Shipbuilding, in collaboration with Virginia Ship Repair Association, other local training facilities and several local community colleges, offers the Maritime Trades Training Program. This course-to-hire marine trainee program includes hands-on training in the following trades: shipfitter, deck electricians, welder, sheet metal worker, marine coatings, pipe insulator, pipefitter and outside machinist. The two- or three-week training courses provide trainees the skills they need to begin full-time trades careers with Newport News Shipbuilding upon graduation. This no-cost, fast training can lead to high wages and great benefits for residents. Wrap-around services available to eligible applicants could include tuition costs, steel-toed boots, childcare, transportation and financial counseling. 
 
Applicants for this initiative must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, and a resident of Newport News (priority consideration given to residents of the Marshall-Ridley Choice Neighborhood and the Southeast Community); pass a background check, drug screen and physical; and be able to work any shift upon completion of the course. All classes are offered monthly, include 90% hands-on instruction, take place Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and result in a full-time job offer from Newport News Shipbuilding upon graduation. 
 
To learn more or to apply for the program, contact Joy Robison with the Brooks Crossing Innovation and Opportunity Center, 550 30th Street, Suite 102, at 757-975-5300 or robis[email protected].  
HU Mobile Health Unit to Host Drive-Thru
COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic on Friday
Vaccination Center in Sherwood Shopping Center closes tomorrow
Hampton University (HU) will hold a drive-thru vaccination and testing clinic on Friday, June 18 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. at New Grafton Baptist Church in Newport News (4401 Chestnut Avenue). Staff will use the new state-of-the-art Hampton University Mobile Health Unit (HUMHU) to administer free first and second doses of the Pfizer vaccine. The clinic is open to anyone age 12 and up. Over $500 in gift cards will be raffled for those who get the vaccine.
 
During the clinic, individuals can get a free COVID-19 test. Health Insurance enrollment, including Medicaid, will also be available through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Students from HU’s Schools of Pharmacy, Nursing and Communicative Disorders will be on-site to provide health screenings.
 
To pre-register and schedule an appointment, please contact either Deborah Hudson, MPH, at 757-728-6209 or Dr. Lewis at 757-728-6075. Walk-up registration is also available.
 
The Newport News Community Vaccination Center in the former Sherwood Shopping site will cease operations at 5 p.m. tomorrow. Vaccines are available at multiple sites in the community, including many doctor’s offices, pharmacies and pop-up clinics. Visit www.vaccinefinder.org to find a site near you.  
Habitat for Humanity Dedicates Newest Home
Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg welcomed the James family to their new Newport News home during a dedication ceremony on Monday, June 14. Kameera James, a pipefitter for Newport News Shipbuilding, and her two young sons excitedly cut the ribbon of their new house in the city’s Southeast Community. 
 
Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg partnered with Rotary Clubs from Hampton, Newport News, Oyster Point, the Virginia Peninsula and Warwick at City Center for the home that was sold to Kameera and her sons. Every family who partners with Habitat for Humanity completes sweat equity hours by building their homes and the homes of others, as well as volunteering in the Newport News and Williamsburg ReStore. Families purchase their homes through an affordable mortgage that helps Habitat for Humanity build additional homes for qualified families. For more information visit www.habitatpgw.org.