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 Wednesday of each month. For questions about the VSRF and its initiatives, please contact Barbara Washer at BWasher@VirginiaShipRepair.org or Sallena Nikitas at SNikitas@VirginiaShipRepair.org, or call the VSRA office at (757) 233-7034.

Programs

2021 15th Annual Tradesperson of the Year Awards

The 2021 15th Annual Tradesperson of the Year Awards are now open. Deadline to submit your nominations will be Friday, October 22, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. Click here for more information and to read about the accomplishments of the 2020 winners and runner ups.

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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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