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
• Ship Skills Handbooks to introduce entry-level workers to maritime trades
• LEGO Competition for Middle School Students
• Ship Repair Race Night at Langley Speedway
• Pre-Hire 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 Sallena Nikitas at SNikitas@VirginiaShipRepair.org, or call the VSRA office at (757) 233-7034.

Programs

2022 16th Annual Tradesperson of the Year Awards

The 2022 16th Annual Tradesperson of the Year Awards will launch in September 2022. Please click on "Read More" to learn about the 2021 Senior and Junior Tradesperson of the Year Winners & Runners Up.

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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 Pre-Hire Training

The VSRA Pre-Hire 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 LEGO Competition

Each year, the Virginia Ship Repair Foundation sponsors a LEGO 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 LEGO 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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