OLD DOMINION SIGNS ACADEMIC AGREEMENT WITH NNS APPRENTICE SCHOOL

Old Dominion and Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) recently announced the formalization of an academic agreement that will enable students to gain academic credit through completion of programs at the Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School.

This credit can be applied toward a bachelor's degree from Old Dominion's College of Engineering and Technology, Darden College of Education or College of Business and Public Administration.

"I'm especially pleased that we have updated and expanded our transfer of credit agreement with Old Dominion. It is an excellent institution that is well-attuned to the needs of working adults and has been the choice for continuing education of many Apprentice School graduates over the years. With their expanded offerings on the Peninsula in recent years, they have become an even more accessible option for many of our people," said James Wallace, director of education and training for Newport News Shipbuilding.

Since the late 1980s, Old Dominion and the NNS Apprentice School have had an informal agreement that enabled apprentice students to earn a bachelor's degree in engineering technology. The formalized agreement has expanded to include degrees in areas such as business management and occupational and technical studies.

"We are eager to help employees translate their hard-earned skills into college credits. By completing a degree, they can advance professionally and be of greater assistance to Newport News Shipbuilding," said Provost Jo Ann Gora. Apprentice School students may take classes at the university's Peninsula Center in Hampton, as well as the main campus and other satellite sites.

The Apprentice School offers apprenticeships in 16 shipbuilding-related trades, five design disciplines and production planning. Students completing the Apprentice School's required and optional curricula can now earn up to 55 semester hours of transfer credit at Old Dominion.