Pros
The pay is highly competitive compared to many other places of employment throughout the Hampton Roads area. Immense room for growth and opportunity, and plenty of doors open to get into a management position. Tuition reimbursement is great, night school opportunities as well. Many positions require no experience in order to get your foot in the door, and will even provide training to make it happen.
Cons
Your experience is barely relevant or applicable outside of the shipyard gates. Many supervisors will run you into the ground. You age faster inside the shipyard, I’m 27 years old but after 6 years of working here, my joints and internal organs are definitely pushing 60. You don’t receive certifications for your skills and there are no career paths ever established for high-potential employees. If you want to make a lateral transition in your career, from one trade to another, you can’t. You have to quit, lose all seniority, and then re-apply. There is no consideration for 2nd shift employees in almost any form. Oh, also parking is like trying to pour 50 gallons of water into a sippy-cup. Any parking lots that could have been made for employees are monetized for pay-to-park, and operated by private parties. But don’t ever be late or else it’s your own fault! I could go on, but I’ll refrain. It’s not a bad place to work depending on your supervisor/shift/trade. It’s like playing Russian roulette with your career! Good luck!
