The Apprentice School at Newport News Shipbuilding wins first football national championship in 99-year school history

For the first time in the 99-year history of The Apprentice School at Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipbuilding division, its football program has won a national championship.

The Builders defeated the Oakland (Mich.) University Golden Grizzlies 56-14 on Dec. 1 to claim the 2018 National Club Football Association title.

The school began its football program in 1919, when the school was established. The Apprentice School's first football team was undefeated in its six-game season. This year’s team finished with a record of 9-3.

The Apprentice School accepts about 225 apprentices per year. The school offers four- to eight-year, tuition-free apprenticeships in 19 trades and eight optional advanced programs. Apprentices work a 40-hour week and are paid for all work, including time spent in academic classes. Through partnerships with Thomas Nelson Community College, Tidewater Community College, and Old Dominion University, The Apprentice School’s academic program provides the opportunity to earn associate degrees in business administration, engineering, and engineering technology and bachelor’s degrees in mechanical and electrical engineering.

Huntington Ingalls Industries is a military shipbuilding company and a provider of professional services to government and industry.