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Carpentry Trainee Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

... Carpentry, Auto Body, and/or Sheet Metal Fabrication. Candidates with no experience or certifications are encouraged to apply to the Shipfitter Trainee requisition. Must Have One or more certificates ...

Construction, landscaping, hardscaping, heavy lifting, carpentry, roofing, truss, wall panel Responsibilities Inserting or positioning materials, clamping, splicing, fitting parts by hand and with ...

Construction, landscaping, hardscaping, heavy lifting, carpentry, roofing, truss, wall panel Responsibilities Inserting or positioning materials, clamping, splicing, fitting parts by hand and with ...

Showing results 21-30

Carpentry Trainee information

What can a carpentry trainee expect in terms of hands-on experience and on-the-job training during their first year?

As a Carpentry Trainee, you can expect to spend most of your time working alongside experienced carpenters, learning through direct, hands-on tasks such as measuring, cutting, assembling, and installing materials. You'll gradually take on more complex responsibilities as your skills develop, with frequent supervision and feedback to ensure safety and quality. The first year typically includes both classroom instruction on carpentry fundamentals and significant time on job sites, exposing you to a variety of projects and construction environments. This blend of practical and theoretical learning is designed to build your competence and confidence, setting a strong foundation for career advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a carpentry trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Carpentry Trainee, you need a basic understanding of construction principles, manual dexterity, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand tools, power tools, measuring devices, and safety procedures is essential, often gained through on-the-job training or vocational programs. Strong attention to detail, willingness to learn, and effective teamwork make someone stand out in this role. These skills ensure work is completed accurately, safely, and efficiently while supporting growth into a skilled carpenter.

How do you get into a carpentry trainee career with no experience?

To start a carpentry trainee career with no experience, individuals can seek entry-level apprenticeships or training programs offered by construction companies or trade schools. Basic skills in math, physical fitness, and familiarity with hand tools are helpful, and obtaining a relevant certification or license can improve job prospects. On-the-job training provides practical experience essential for advancement in carpentry.

Is it hard to get a carpentry apprenticeship?

Getting a carpentry apprenticeship can be competitive, as many programs seek candidates with basic math skills, physical fitness, and a willingness to learn. Applicants often need to demonstrate reliability and may be required to complete interviews or assessments; some programs also prefer or require a high school diploma or equivalent. Building a strong foundation in safety, tools, and basic carpentry skills can improve chances of acceptance.

What is a carpentry trainee?

Carpentry trainees are individuals who are learning the basics of carpentry, either through formal apprenticeships, vocational programs, or on-the-job training. They assist skilled carpenters with tasks such as measuring, cutting, and assembling wood and other materials. As trainees, they gain hands-on experience in using tools, reading blueprints, and following safety protocols. This role is the entry point to becoming a fully qualified carpenter, providing foundational skills and knowledge needed for advancement in the trade.

What is the difference between Carpentry Trainee vs Carpenter?

AspectCarpentry TraineeCarpenter
CredentialsOn-the-job training, apprenticeship programsCompleted apprenticeship or vocational training, certifications
Work EnvironmentLearning phase, supervised tasksFull responsibility for carpentry projects
Job RoleAssists experienced carpenters, learns skillsPerforms carpentry tasks independently

The main difference is that a Carpentry Trainee is in the learning phase, gaining skills under supervision, while a Carpenter has completed training and works independently on projects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Carpentry jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Carpentry jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Carpentry Trainee jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Carpentry Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Carpentry Trainee job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

SHEET METAL WORKER (CERTIFICATION REQUIRED)

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Newport News, VA • On-site

$53K - $55K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago


Huntington Ingalls Industries rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,130 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Req ID: 47571
Team: X32 SHEET METAL DEPT
Entity: Newport News Shipbuilding
US Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes
Full-Time
Shift: Multiple
Relocation: No relocation assistance available
Virtual/Telework Opportunity: No - Not eligible for telework
Travel Requirements: No
Clearance Required: No - Clearance Not Required to Start
Salary Range: $53,248.00 to $55,640.00
The anticipated salary range represents the estimated base pay for this role. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors, and may vary from the posted range
Meet HII's Newport News Shipbuilding
With more than 25,000 employees - including third-, fourth- and even fifth-generation shipbuilders - HII's Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division is the largest industrial employer in Virginia. We're the sole designer, builder and refueler of U.S. Navy nuclear aircraft carriers and one of two providers of U.S. Navy nuclear submarines. Our diverse and innovative team of professionals ranges from skilled trades to project managers, engineers and software developers to solution architects, technical subject matter experts, and system users. We collaborate together at the forefront of technology, manufacturing, and integration of the most powerful and survivable naval ships in the world. Want to be part of the team? Apply today! We look forward to meeting you.
The Role
As a Sheet Metal Worker, you will first be qualified through the shipyards state of the art welding school. The Sheetmetal Department is a highly versatile team of craftsmen that are responsible for fabricating, assembling and installing a wide variety of Components on Aircraft Carriers, Submarines and other Surface Ships. These Sheet Metal components include, but are not limited to ventilation systems, metal joiner bulkheads and framing, furniture, cabinetry, lockers, ladders and handrails, foundations, weapons spaces and wet spaces. As a sheet metal worker you will perform work governed by detailed technical work documents and procedural guidelines. The tools of the trade include a variety of hand tools and power tools/equipment to include drills, rivet guns, grinders, miter saws, band saws, nibblers, plasma arc cutters, rollers, shears, press brakes and CNC fabricators. The Sheet Metal Department will provide formal and on the job training (basic sheet metal/tack welding) as well as any job specific training requirements.
This position is for job seekers who have received and can provide a certificate or diploma in Sheet Metal or a directly related field. Directly related fields include Sheet Metal Fabrication, HVAC, Facility Maintenance, Auto Body/Automotive Repair, Residential/Commercial Construction, Welding, and/or Carpentry.
https://youtu.be/Ht130D-oD3Y
Candidates who have received and can provide a certificate or diploma in Sheet Metal Fabrication or directly related field are encouraged to apply.
Candidates with no experience or certifications are encouraged to apply to the Sheet Metal Trainee requisition.
Must Have
Candidates must able to work at extreme heights or small confined spaces. Must be able to kneel, squat, crawl, bend, stoop, and climb. Must be able to lift 40 lbs and must take and pass a respirator fit test. Must be able to work assigned shift as production needs. Must be able to pass Physical Agility Test. Must be able to take measurements or be willing to learn.
Must be able to present one or more certificates of completion or diploma in Sheet Metal fabrication, HVAC, Facility Maintenance, Autobody/Automotive repair, Residential/Commercial Construction, Welding, Carpentry or a directly related field from a high school vocational program, community college, trade school, technical college, apprentice program, post-secondary institution, or military equivalent.
Nice to Have
High school graduate or equivalent preferred
Why HII
We build the world's most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber. HII's diverse workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals.
Recognized as one of America's top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII, you'll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career.
Working at HII is more than a job - it's an opportunity to build a future. We offer comprehensive benefits including: medical, prescription drug, dental and vision plan choices, on-site health centers, tele-medicine, wellness resources, employee assistance programs, savings plan options (401K), financial education and planning tools, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts, early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships, and more. Some benefits may vary depending on your specific division or work location.
Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. U.S. Citizenship may be required for certain positions.
Do You Need Assistance?
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to buildyourcareer@hii-co.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this e-mail address.
Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #2 for Newport News Shipbuilding.

Working at Huntington Ingalls Industries

About Huntington Ingalls Industries, in their own words

From Huntington Ingalls Industries

Our 44,000-strong team includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence and machine learning experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals. Recognized as one of America's top large employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Here you'll find a collaborative environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs that span our shipbuilding apprentice schools in Virginia and Mississippi to tuition reimbursement programs that support continual career growth at every stage of your career.

Our values of integrity, safety, respect, engagement, responsibility and performance are the foundation of HII's ethical culture that inspires employees to do the right thing each day, regardless of the circumstances.


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