~ The First Lady engaged in a roundtable discussion about The Apprentice School at Newport News Shipbuilding’s women-focused programs and example for unique training opportunities ~
The First Lady greets students at The Apprentice School at Newport News Shipbuilding.
NEWPORT NEWS, VA – The First Lady today visited The Apprentice School at Newport News Shipbuilding for a roundtable discussion as part of her newly announced Women+girls (W+g) campaign. The First Lady joined Dr. Latitia McCane, director of education at The Apprentice School at Newport News Shipbuilding, and panelists with an audience with female high schoolers and their school counselors to learn more about the school’s training programs.
“The Apprentice School at Newport News Shipbuilding is a shining example of best-in-class training programs and educational opportunities for Virginia’s workers. Led by a remarkable woman and providing tools to girls seeking sustainable work in in-demand jobs, we celebrate its positive impact on workforce preparedness here in the Commonwealth,” said the First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin.
“The Apprentice School at Newport News Shipbuilding develops future shipyard leaders,” said Dr. Latitia McCane, director of education for The Apprentice School at Newport News Shipbuilding. “As the First Lady focuses on opportunities for young women, I hope many will consider the skilled trades we are hiring for right now. There are more opportunities now than ever before for women with technical skills to not only secure high-paying jobs today, but to advance into leadership roles over the course of their careers. Having a diverse workforce comprising a wide variety of skills, abilities, experiences and perspectives is essential to our shipbuilding success at HII.”
“Apprenticeships, and other work-based learning opportunities, are vital to preparing Virginians to fill current and future workforce needs. We must reimagine how we do workforce development in the Commonwealth, and apprenticeships provide a proven alternative pathway to high paying five and six figure successful careers in the high-demand jobs of the future, with little or no student debt,” said Secretary of Labor Bryan Slater.
“I credit my experience as one of the first women to enter The Apprentice School at Newport News Shipbuilding with giving me the courage to take a path less travelled – one leading to a long and fulfilling career,” said Secretary of Administration Lyn McDermid.
Through Women+girls (W+g), the First Lady is focused on connecting, celebrating and championing Virginia’s women and girls through two, primary pillars of focus: Wellbeing and Workforce. Learn more about the First Lady’s Women+girls (W+g) initiative by visiting her new web page. Check the First Lady’s website for updates and sign up for her monthly newsletter for more information in the coming months.
The First Lady sat among the panelists at The Apprentice School at Newport News Shipbuilding’s roundtable.
Dr. Latitia McCane gave a tour of The Apprentice School at Newport News Shipbuilding to the First Lady, Secretary of Administration Lyn McDermid and Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade Chelsea Jenkins.
High school students and their teachers joined the First Lady at The Apprentice School at Newport News Shipbuilding.