With the economy still in shambles most of us know someone looking for a job.
Do you know anyone who needs a job? Are they willing to move to Hampton Roads Newport News to Virginia Beach and work at a naval shipyard. Then this program may be for them. 
Huntington Ingalls naval shipyard is known as a large refuel-er and supplier of nuclear powered air craft carriers and servicer and builder of submarines. Currently employing 20,000 it is one of the areas largest employers.
Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc. announced they are expecting
to hire around 10,000 more people over the next five years but it
could hire up to 15,000, according to a Huntington Ingalls spokesperson.
In 2011, the company will hire about 2,000 people, including 1,500 trade or
craft workers and 500 salaried employees.
About 20 percent of the shipyard's workforce, or 4,000 employees are
eligible for retirement, according to Christie Miller with Huntington
Ingalls.
Hiring is underway now because of the number of people leaving for one
reason or another. Miller said some workers are retiring and others are
pursuing new careers.
Miller said the company has stringent requirements and they are having a
hard time finding qualified candidates. Many of those hired will need to get
a security clearance from the U.S. government, undergo a background check
and take a drug screening test.
In addition, the company is trying to figure out how to transfer the skill
sets of veterans who are moving toward retirement to new workers coming up
behind them.
Huntington Ingalls spends more than $50 million a year in training costs,
due to the exacting nature of the work.
The company also has an apprentice school, which recently celebrated its
92nd anniversary. Roughly 2,400 of its graduates are in the yard's
management ranks, Huntington Ingalls reported.
The shipyard also plans to engage with "the supply side" as part of an
effort to groom job candidates. For example, they will recruit exiting
military personnel and get more involved with those who are leaving the
military. The shipyard is also working to align itself more closely with
community colleges and trade schools.
Through a program called "Career Pathways," the company is reaching out to
elementary, middle, and secondary schools, to open up students to career
alternatives that don't require a college degree.
To learn more information about careers at Huntington Ingalls, visit
http://www.huntingtoningalls.com/careers/
Since Nuclear power will probably be around for awhile this may be a great career for those interested.
Base is located in South Newport News near Hampton and is a short commute from North Suffolk, North Portsmouth, and West Norfolk.
