{"id":946073,"date":"2026-03-21T15:18:11","date_gmt":"2026-03-21T19:18:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marketnewsdesk.com\/index.php\/hii-celebrates-2025-graduates-of-the-newport-news-shipbuilding-apprentice-school\/"},"modified":"2026-03-21T15:18:11","modified_gmt":"2026-03-21T19:18:11","slug":"hii-celebrates-2025-graduates-of-the-newport-news-shipbuilding-apprentice-school","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marketnewsdesk.com\/index.php\/hii-celebrates-2025-graduates-of-the-newport-news-shipbuilding-apprentice-school\/","title":{"rendered":"HII Celebrates 2025 Graduates of The Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., March 21, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII (NYSE: HII) hosted commencement exercises today, celebrating 128 graduates of the company\u2019s Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School. The ceremony was held at Liberty Live Church in Hampton.<\/p>\n

Linda McMahon, U.S. secretary of education, delivered the keynote commencement address.<\/p>\n

“On the eve of America\u2019s 250th<\/sup> anniversary, I am reminded of how much we have relied on skilled workers to build and sustain our nation,\u201d McMahon told graduates. \u201cToday, you join that proud tradition. This path you have chosen is one of purpose, opportunity, and lasting impact, and it will help carry our country forward for generations to come.\u201d<\/p>\n

HII hosted McMahon at NNS Friday for a tour of the shipyard and The Apprentice School. McMahon also participated in a roundtable discussion with shipbuilders focused on workforce development and national security.<\/p>\n

At graduation Saturday, NNS President Kari Wilkinson addressed the graduates as the shipyard\u2019s newest leaders.<\/p>\n

\n

Photos accompanying this release are available at:\u00a0http:\/\/hii.com\/news\/hii-celebrates-2025-graduates-of-the-newport-news-shipbuilding-apprentice-school\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat an incredible accomplishment this day represents, and it is one deserving of the highest praise and celebration,\u201d Wilkinson said. \u201cThank you for your commitment and your dedication and for being on this team of professionals doing the work of the nation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Founded in 1919, The Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School has been accredited since 1982 by the Council on Occupational Education. Certification to grant associate degrees and confer degrees on its own came in July 2020, after the school was approved by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to operate as a postsecondary institution.<\/p>\n

Alex Edwards received the Homer L. Ferguson Award, which recognizes the apprentice graduating with the highest average in combined required academic and craft grades.<\/p>\n

Edwards began his career with HII in 2018 as an electrician at NNS. He entered The Apprentice School in 2022 to further his education and expand his career options. He currently works as a deck electrician on aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis<\/em> (CVN 74), which is undergoing refueling and complex overhaul at NNS.<\/p>\n

During his address, Edwards acknowledged the support the class has received from family and friends and asked graduates to reflect on their achievements, while focusing on accomplishing their next goals.<\/p>\n

\u201cEach of us now has a degree that is a reminder to us that we can accomplish a goal that we commit ourselves to,\u201d Edwards said. \u201cMy question to each of you is: What is the next goal you are going to commit to? I believe that each of us can achieve the goals we set if we commit 100 percent of ourselves to them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Replay coverage of the ceremony is available at: https:\/\/hii.com\/events\/apprentice-school-graduation\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The following is a profile of the graduating class:<\/p>\n