HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding Welcomes High School Graduates Recruited Through Innovative WAVES Program

Caption: HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division is welcoming more than 50 graduating high school seniors to shipbuilding careers through an innovate outreach program, Workforce Attraction Via Experienced Shipbuilders, known as WAVES, which embeds experienced skilled tradespeople from NNS into high schools that offer technical career education curriculums (Photo by Ashley Cowan/HII).

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., June 3, 2026 — HII’s (NYSE: HII) Newport News Shipbuilding division is welcoming more than 50 graduating high school seniors to shipbuilding careers through an innovative outreach program coordinated with 14 schools across Virginia.

Workforce Attraction Via Experienced Shipbuilders, known as WAVES, embeds experienced skilled tradespeople from NNS into high schools that offer technical career education curriculums. These shipbuilders, known as scouts, visit the school at least once a month, where they build trusted relationships with career counselors and engage with students to provide mentorship, tutoring support and information on HII career opportunities.

“WAVES bridges the gap between education and hands-on experience, equipping students with knowledge, confidence, and connections needed to excel in their chosen fields,” said Xavier Beale, NNS vice president of human resources. “Through personalized guidance and partnerships, we are building the next generation of skilled professionals and we’re thrilled to have these students join our powerful mission at Newport News Shipbuilding.”

NNS hosted its first ‘Welcoming Ceremony’ Wednesday for students recruited through WAVES mentorships who have accepted offers of employment with the company. The event recognized the students’ accomplishments and offered an introduction to the shipyard and their new teammates.