Core Insights - HII celebrated the graduation of 128 apprentices from its Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School, emphasizing the importance of skilled workers in sustaining the nation [1][2] - U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon highlighted the graduates' role in a proud tradition of skilled labor that contributes to national progress [2] - The Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School, established in 1919, has been accredited since 1982 and gained the ability to confer degrees in 2020 [5] Graduation Highlights - NNS President Kari Wilkinson praised the graduates for their commitment and dedication, recognizing their achievements as significant contributions to the nation [3][5] - Alex Edwards received the Homer L. Ferguson Award for having the highest average in academic and craft grades among the graduates [6] - The graduating class included 105 graduates earning an Associate of Applied Science in maritime technology, with 69 completing an accelerated skills training program [12] Workforce Development - The Apprentice School accepts over 200 apprentices annually, offering tuition-free apprenticeships in 19 trades and six optional programs [9] - Graduates are employed full-time while attending classes, reinforcing the connection between education and practical work experience [9] - The program aims to develop skilled workers who are essential for national security and defense capabilities [10][11]

Group 1 - HII's Newport News Shipbuilding division will host commencement exercises for the class of 2025 graduates from the Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School, with U.S. Secretary Linda McMahon providing the commencement address [1][3] - The Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School accepts over 200 apprentices annually, offering four- to eight-year, tuition-free apprenticeships in 19 trades and six optional programs, and is accredited to offer associate degrees in applied science in maritime technology [1][2] - HII is America's largest shipbuilder, specializing in delivering powerful ships and all-domain mission technologies, including unmanned systems, to U.S. and allied defense customers [2][3] Group 2 - HII has a workforce of 44,000 and has a history of over 140 years in advancing U.S. national security, building and integrating defense capabilities from core fleet to advanced technologies [3] - The graduation ceremony will take place at Liberty Live Church in Hampton, Virginia, on March 21 at 10 a.m., and will be livestreamed for public viewing [1][3]

Core Insights - HII's Ingalls Shipbuilding division celebrated the graduation of 70 apprentices, highlighting the importance of skilled craftsmen in the shipbuilding industry [1][2] - The Ingalls Apprentice School has graduated over 4,000 shipbuilders since its inception in 1952 and currently supports more than 750 students [2][5] - The program offers specialized training in 15 U.S. Department of Labor-registered trades, providing apprentices with competitive wages and benefits [2] Group 1 - The Ingalls Apprentice School is recognized as the backbone of Ingalls' workforce, with many graduates advancing to leadership roles [5] - This year's Overall Apprentice of the Year was joiner apprentice Sawyer Briggs, who emphasized the program's role in preparing him for a successful career [4][5] - Ingalls Shipbuilding has been a key player in designing, building, and maintaining amphibious ships and destroyers for the U.S. Navy for over 87 years [5] Group 2 - HII is America's largest shipbuilder, delivering advanced ships and mission technologies to U.S. and allied defense customers [7] - The company has a workforce of 44,000 and has a history of over 140 years in advancing U.S. national security [8] - HII is the largest producer of unmanned underwater vehicles for the U.S. Navy and the world [7]