NEWPORT NEWS — There’s going to be a regional initiative to boost the shipyard industry.
On Tuesday morning, Gov. Ralph Northam and other state officials announced a partnership with Huntington Ingalls Industries Newport News Shipbuilding to support the company employing 7,000 more people.
That includes the creation of 2,000 new jobs in the City of Newport News over the next five years.
“To stay competitive in the 21st-century economy, we must build a highly skilled workforce with the training that employers require,” Northam said.
The added workers will be used to build new submarines and aircraft carriers.
Northam made the announcement at Victory Landing Park.
The new partnership, entitled Build Virginia, will be led by the state Secretary of Commerce and Trade, who will work with the existing economic development programs for Newport News Shipbuilding’s hiring department.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Virginia Community College System, the Virginia Employment Commission and the Virginia Office of Veterans and Defense Affairs will also play a role in job training for Build Virginia.
With the emergence in data entry, data analysis and information technology fields, state and local officials and shipyard employees see the training efforts as essential and opportune.
“As we continue to transform our business, we look forward to recruiting, training and retaining talented men and women who will help meet our workforce needs now and into the future,” said Newport News Shipbuilding president Jennifer Boykin. “This effort requires strong community leadership. That’s why we are excited about this partnership with the Commonwealth. Working with government, business and educational systems ensures we have the additional resources necessary to continue our investment in our greatest resource — our people.”
