Virginia Ship Repair Foundation

The Virginia Ship Repair Foundation (VSRF), a 501(c)(3) organization, is the educational arm of the Virginia Ship Repair Association. The Foundation aims to assist VSRA member companies, both locally and nationally, in their efforts to produce the highest quality ship repair services by convening and deploying efficient training and employee recruitment strategies. The VSRF has strong partnerships with other maritime organizations, educational institutions, workforce boards, and other community organizations.

VSRF initiatives include:

• Participation in regional & local Career Day Events
• Outreach to Technical Schools and CTEs statewide
• Digital Innovation Competition for Middle School Students
• Ship Repair Race Night at Langley Speedway
• Norfolk Admirals Night
• Marine Trade Training Programs

The VSRF Board of Directors is comprised of apprenticeship and human resource leaders from VSRA member companies, including all Large Ship Repairers, and several ship repairs, sub-contractors, and suppliers. The VSRF Board meets regularly, on the second Thursday of each month. For questions about the VSRF and its initiatives, please contact Joe Frommelt at JFrommelt@VirginiaShipRepair.org or Billy Bingham at BBingham@VirginiaShipRepair.org, or call the VSRA office at (757) 233-7034.

Programs

2025 19th Annual Tradesperson of the Year Awards

The nomination period for the 2025 19th Annual VSRF Tradesperson of the Year Awards is officially open! There are many superstar folks out there, and we want to ensure that all the fabulous tradespeople of VSRA have the opportunity to be considered for selection of this prestigious award. Click "Read More" to watch the Instructional Nomination Video and to download the fillable Junior and Senior Tradesperson of the Year nomination forms.

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Community Programs

VSRF supports many community initiatives, and has many volunteers who actively participate in various outreach activities across Hampton Roads. 

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Ship Repair Marine Trade Training

The VSRA Marine Trade Training Programs are innovative programs that help to prepare workers interested in building a long-term career in ship repair.

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Shipyard Careers

The Foundation is committed to helping the Ship Repair Industry fill workforce gaps in the coming years through active outreach and education now.

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VSRF Digitial Innovation Competition

Each year, the Virginia Ship Repair Foundation sponsors a Digitial Innovation Competition for Middle School students aimed at enhacing awareness of careers available in the Ship Repair Industry, and the skills and education needed to pursue those careers. Participation in the VSRF Digitial Innovation Competition will increase the students' mathematical, analytical, and conceptual skills, as well as give them valuable information on an industry that is vital to their community.

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