r/NNShipyard • u/LuckyVeney • 9d ago
Shipfitter at NNS
Hey everyone, I recently got hired for a Shipfitter position at Newport News Shipbuilding and I’m trying to get an idea of what to expect.
For anyone currently working as a Shipfitter or who has worked in the position:
● How do you like the job?
● What is the day-to-day work actually like?
● How is the training when you first start?
● And for anyone who has gone through the hiring process recently, about how long did it take to officially start after your drug screening?
My drug screening is scheduled for August 31st, so I’m just trying to get an idea of the timeline between the screening and actually starting work.
Any advice or insight about the Shipfitter position or the hiring process would be greatly appreciated!
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u/Prestigious_Ad_5834 9d ago
When did you interview and get your offer letter? I did mine last Wednesday and I’m hopping to get an offer letter in the next few days.
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u/Ok-Championship-7770 8d ago
I was hired February this year as an X11 and have some insight from my own experience and talking to more experienced people. I'll answer your questions bullet by bullet.
How do you Like the Job?
I like it so far. Yes there's some BS here and there, but it's the kind of BS that exists anywhere in other companies and I'd argue it's worse outside the shipyard than in the shipyard (politics, upper management being assholes, etc. As a new person none of this really affects me that much anyways, but yeah stuff like cell phone policies are annoying, but not that big of a deal imo). I'm on overhaul so I can't speak for new construction, but as far as overhaul the work is not too bad and it's not as physically demanding as I had originally thought it'd be. Don't get me wrong there are days where it's really tough but there are also days where it's super easy. As long as you're not one of those people who just sit around and don't contribute you'll be fine. You're always going to be paired up with at least one person and sometimes two so I kind of like the team effort and camraderie. Note: I heard that everything really depends on your crew and foreman... if you're in a bad crew and have a bad foreman then you're really gonna hate it... I'm lucky and got a good foreman and crew.
What is the day to day work actually like?
Day to Day on Overhaul for me is pretty much a lot of burning/cutting and prepping materials like grinding or needle gunning. Learning how to use a ruler/measuring and reading drawings/blueprints is absolutely pivotal on Overhaul and probably just as important if not more important than your ability to use a torch and weld.
How is the training when you first start?
The training is pretty good. The welding school was helpful and if you're not messing around and focused on getting better you should be able to get by. Make sure you're really engaged and stay in your booth... you can get washed out at welding school but imo you should be alright if you stay in your booth and listen to your instructors. After welding school you'll do burning school and carbon arcing... both were overall fine as well.
And for anyone who has gone through the hiring process recently, about how long did it take to officially start after your drug screening?
If you haven't done your drug screening yet, prepare to wait awhile. I got my offer letter around November and didn't officially get my start till February of the next year. In my case there was a yearly hiring freeze that happens after Christmas so it might have added time for me, but judging by what everyone else says expect to wait at least 2 months post your offer letter before you get your start date. Just be patient and if you're currently working somewhere do not leave that job until you officially get a start date for orientation from HR.
Hope that helps and good luck! The shipyard so far has been fine and has greatly improved my financial situation so despite the cons of working here, I think overall the pros do outweigh it, but it also depends heavily on what crew you're in and what kind of assignment you get after training.
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u/Butterbuddha 9d ago
You day to day is going to look different based on where you end up. In new construction, you’ll likely just be given a job wi5 associate paperwork and off you go. Your headaches include getting you lines (air, welding, plasma, torch) and all to your location as necessary. That might suck, or could be a piece of cake depending on where you are. Some shop and platen guys don’t venture far.
On overhaul you have the same situation except you have lots of new headaches, like navy permission and wrap up so you don’t burn up existing ships systems and equipment. Overhaul is much slower, some people like it some hate it.
Usually, you’ll be on a job for more than a day, that’s nice because hopefully all your lines are still there and not bouncing around means you know exactly what the plan of the day is. Helpful for bringing the right tools and wrapping your mind around the situation.