HII’S Ingalls Shipbuilding Celebrates Apprentice School Graduates

Rhea-AI Summary

HII (NYSE: HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding celebrated 70 apprentice school graduates on March 14, 2026. The Department of Labor–registered program pairs classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training across 15 trades, and Ingalls currently supports more than 750 students.

Since 1952 the school has graduated over 4,000 shipbuilders; apprentices receive competitive wages and benefits beginning 30 days after start. Joiner apprentice Sawyer Briggs was named Overall Apprentice of the Year.

PASCAGOULA, Miss., March 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HII’s (NYSE: HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division celebrated 70 apprentice school graduates during a ceremony at the shipyard today. The event honored the newest class to complete the Department of Labor-registered program, which combines classroom instruction, paid on-the-job training and industry-recognized credentials.

“The future of shipbuilding depends on skilled craftsmen and women who care deeply about their work, and today’s graduates should wear that responsibility with pride,” said Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Blanchette. “What they have learned is more than a trade, it is the discipline to do what’s right even when no one is watching. And the timing could not be more important; Our Navy is counting on the commitment and capability they bring to the ships our nation depends on.”

Since its founding in 1952, the Ingalls Apprentice School has graduated more than 4,000 shipbuilders and today supports more than 750 students who contribute directly to Ingalls’ operations. The school provides specialized training in 15 U.S. Department of Labor–registered trades, equipping apprentices with the technical skills, strong work ethic and hands-on experience needed to advance into journeyman roles. Apprentices earn competitive wages and receive a comprehensive benefits package beginning 30 days after starting the program.

Photos accompanying this release are available at: https://hii.com/news/hiis-ingalls-shipbuilding-celebrates-apprentice-school-graduates-2/

Annually, Ingalls recognizes apprentices who excel in academics, craftsmanship, leadership and dedication. This year, joiner apprentice Sawyer Briggs set the standard for his class and was named Overall Apprentice of the Year.

“I’m proud of the journey that has brought me to this point in my career at Ingalls,” said Briggs. “This program prepared me with the skills and confidence needed to build the ships that support our Navy and our nation, and I take great pride in the craftsmanship we deliver every day.”

Ingalls Shipbuilding, the largest manufacturing employer in Mississippi, has designed, built and maintained amphibious ships and destroyers for the U.S. Navy for more than 87 years. The apprentice school is widely regarded as the backbone of Ingalls’ workforce, with many graduates advancing from craft roles into leadership positions and senior management throughout their careers at the shipyard.

Learn more about the Ingalls Apprentice School at: www.hii.com/careers/ingalls-apprentice-school/

About HII

HII is America’s largest shipbuilder, delivering the world’s most powerful ships and all-domain mission technologies, including unmanned systems, to U.S. and allied defense customers. HII is the largest producer of unmanned underwater vehicles for the U.S. Navy and the world.

With a more than 140-year history of advancing U.S. national security, HII builds and integrates defense capabilities extending from the core fleet to C6ISR, AI/ML, EW and synthetic training. Headquartered in Virginia, HII’s workforce is 44,000 strong. For more information, visit:

• HII on the web: https://www.HII.com/
• HII on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamHII
• HII on X: https://www.twitter.com/WeAreHII
• HII on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WeAreHII
• HII on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearehii
  

Contact:
Kimberly Aguillard
Kimberly.K.Aguillard@HII-co.com
(228) 355-5663

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7f48a5ca-a7b4-4ce6-a1f1-9c116e82947d

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FAQ

How many apprentices graduated from Ingalls Shipbuilding on March 14, 2026 (HII)?

Seventy apprentices graduated on March 14, 2026 from Ingalls Shipbuilding's program. According to HII, the ceremony honored the latest class completing the Department of Labor–registered apprenticeship that combines classroom instruction and paid on-the-job training.

What training and benefits do HII Ingalls apprentices receive under the program?

Apprentices receive classroom instruction, paid on-the-job training, and industry credentials through 15 registered trades. According to HII, apprentices earn competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package beginning 30 days after program start.

How many students does the Ingalls Apprentice School support and how many graduates since founding (HII)?

The Ingalls Apprentice School supports more than 750 students and has graduated over 4,000 shipbuilders since 1952. According to HII, the program has been a long-term pipeline for craft and leadership roles at the shipyard.

Who was named Overall Apprentice of the Year at HII Ingalls in 2026?

Joiner apprentice Sawyer Briggs was named Overall Apprentice of the Year for this graduating class. According to HII, Briggs was recognized for setting the standard in academics, craftsmanship, leadership, and dedication.

What role does the Ingalls Apprentice School play for HII and the local workforce?

The school is described as the backbone of Ingalls’ workforce and a training pipeline into journeyman and leadership roles. According to HII, many graduates advance into senior management and the shipyard is the largest manufacturing employer in Mississippi.