Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) participated in the Portsmouth Day of Hope community street party March 23 at Charles Peete Field.

Hosted by the Vann H. Lefcoe Leadership Class of 2019 and Portsmouth City Councilman Shannon Glover, this free event brought members of the Portsmouth community together to participate in fun activities. In addition, booths were set up around the field featuring various educational, career and health vendors from Hampton Roads. The vendors provided face-to-face knowledge sharing as well as helpful resources for those interested.

In attendance for the shipyard was NNSY Outreach Coordinator Valerie Fulwood, Production Training Division (Code 900T) Training Instructor Troy Williams, and President of the Federal Apprentice Association LaTisha Dawkins.  

“This is a wonderful opportunity for us to share what we do at America’s Shipyard with the City of Portsmouth and all of Hampton Roads,” said Fulwood. “We’re one of the largest employers in Portsmouth and we want to give back as much as we can. Events like this are a way for us to get to know those we serve and help mold the minds of the future. We’re able to introduce the community to what opportunities are available for them and answer whatever questions they may have.” 

The team was also providing those interested with information regarding the NNSY Apprentice Program. The program, in partnership with Tidewater Community College (TCC), is designed to attract talented individuals who want a rewarding career with the federal government. Students participate in a rigorous training program, which combines TCC's academic classes with NNSY’s trade theory training and on-the-job learning experience. Positions include electricians, fabric workers, boilermakers, mechanics, pipefitters, welders, riggers and more.

The current announcement period for the program closes on March 29, so those interested in applying can do so on USAJobs.gov at https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/523030200.

“We’re looking for committed individuals who are excited to learn a valuable trade while serving the fleet of our country,” said Dawkins. “Today we were able to meet with individuals who were asking questions, taking in everything we could offer and were ready to jump into this exciting opportunity. It’s been a wonderful experience and we hope to see more of our Portsmouth communities at future events.”

“We’d like to thank everyone who was able to stop by today and speak with our team,” said Fulwood. “It’s always wonderful to meet members of our Portsmouth family and we hope to bring more knowledge and understanding of what makes America’s Shipyard the greatest place to work.”

NNSY, a Naval Sea Systems Command field activity, is one of the oldest industrial facilities belonging to the U.S. Navy, and specializes in repairing, overhauling and modernizing ships and submarines.

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