Top 10 Tech Apprenticeships, Internships and Entry-Level Jobs in Chesapeake, VA in 2026

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Year Up United: Career Connect
• FastForward Virginia
• Canon Virginia: Engineering & Tech Internship
• Sentara Health: Clinical Simulation Internship
• Per Scholas
• Huntington Ingalls Technical Internships
• Northrop Grumman Pathways Rotational Program
• Norfolk Naval Shipyard Trades Apprenticeship
• Tidewater Community College Sponsored Apprenticeships
• Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions

Year Up United: Career Connect

For young adults in Hampton Roads without a four-year degree, finding that first corporate-tech foothold can feel like navigating without a chart. Year Up United's Career Connect program serves as that critical on-ramp, offering a structured, corporate-track launchpad for those aged 18-29 with a high school diploma or GED.

This rigorous pathway begins with a 6-week virtual training bootcamp in IT Support, Software Development, or Business Operations, followed by a 6-month paid internship with a Fortune 500 partner. Participants receive a stipend during training and a competitive wage for their internship work. The program's unique strength is its placement arm, YUPRO, which acts as a dedicated talent broker for alumni, leading to high job placement rates with major firms like JPMorgan Chase and Salesforce that have a growing footprint in the region's finance and tech sectors.

The program is actively enrolling for its Fall 2025 and 2026 cycles, designed as a fast-track alternative to traditional education. Acceptance is competitive and hinges on demonstrating professional drive. To strengthen an application, candidates should showcase self-directed learning - such as free online course certificates - and be ready to articulate clear career goals. Exploring Year Up's Career Connect page provides the most current deadlines and focus areas.

For Chesapeake residents looking to bypass student debt and launch directly into a tech-adjacent corporate role, this earn-while-you-learn model provides a proven route into the professional world, connecting local talent with national employer networks.

FastForward Virginia

When you need to get skilled and hired fast, Virginia's FastForward program is your high-speed launchpad. Offered through Tidewater Community College and other local institutions, these non-credit courses compress essential IT training into 6-12 weeks, a critical advantage for career-changers needing to pivot swiftly into the region's tech roles.

The focus for high-demand entry points includes the foundational trifecta of CompTIA A+, Network+, and Cloud certifications, which are directly requested by Hampton Roads employers for help desk, network support, and junior cloud administration positions. The state's "pay-for-performance" funding model is a key differentiator, covering a significant portion of tuition upon successful completion of the credential exam, minimizing financial risk for students.

Graduates report entering the workforce with starting salaries of $45,000 to $65,000, providing a rapid return on investment. These accelerated programs have high completion rates for dedicated students, and career services help connect graduates directly to local employers like the Port of Virginia and regional managed service providers. The program exemplifies the state's commitment, as detailed on the official FastForward website, to creating streamlined pathways into high-demand fields.

With year-round, rolling start dates, you can begin almost anytime. Success requires intense focus, but for those ready to commit, FastForward provides one of the most direct channels to a tech paycheck in Hampton Roads, turning weeks of training into a viable career.

Canon Virginia: Engineering & Tech Internship

Located in nearby Newport News, the Canon Virginia Engineering & Tech Internship offers a unique window into the high-tech manufacturing that complements the region's shipbuilding core. This summer program immerses students in the intersection of advanced manufacturing, robotics, and real-world industrial problem-solving, working on automated assembly systems and process engineering for imaging equipment.

The experience is prized for its hands-on, practical focus, developing what graduates call "grace under pressure" while solving tangible production challenges. With an average daily pay of around $186 (approximately $23/hour), it provides a financially solid summer opportunity. Past participants, like graduate Kayla, have noted how such technical training "aligned perfectly" with transitioning into a manufacturing career, often using the company's tuition reimbursement benefits to pursue full engineering degrees.

Recruitment for the Summer 2026 cohort begins in late 2025. Prospective interns should monitor major job boards, where postings like the 2026 Summer Internship Program for Engineering will appear. The program is competitive, favoring students with demonstrable mechanical aptitude or project experience from clubs and coursework.

To stand out in your application, showcase any hands-on project work, CAD skills, or troubleshooting experience. This internship is less about theoretical projects and more about applying technical knowledge on the floor, making it an excellent resume builder for those targeting the advanced manufacturing sector in Hampton Roads. Salary insights and company reviews from past participants can be found on platforms like Glassdoor.

Sentara Health: Clinical Simulation Internship

In a region defined by its defense and maritime tech, Sentara Health stands as a digital harbor - a major employer where technology directly underpins life-saving care. The Clinical Simulation Internship, based at the Sentara Simulation Center in Chesapeake, offers a prime vantage point into this critical intersection of healthcare and IT.

Interns support projects involving data analysis for training outcomes, management of advanced simulation technology, and the IT systems that drive clinical education. This isn't abstract work; it's about seeing how software and data directly improve patient safety and provider skill. With an estimated prorated salary range of $37,000 to $62,000, the compensation is strong, and the on-site mentorship provides direct exposure to Sentara’s leadership and potential pathways into one of Hampton Roads' largest private employers.

Applications for Summer 2026 will go live on the Sentara careers page in early 2026. This internship is highly competitive, seeking students who can blend technical skill with an understanding of healthcare operations. To prepare, familiarize yourself with health IT standards like HL7 or Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, and be ready to discuss how specific technologies improve care outcomes.

For students in IT, data analytics, or project management, this role offers a unique channel into the stable, mission-driven world of healthcare technology, a sector with growing demand in the Chesapeake area. Additional internship listings and insights into Sentara's culture can often be found on professional networks like LinkedIn.

Per Scholas

For career-changers from non-tech backgrounds ready for a full-throttle transition, Per Scholas represents a transformative, high-commitment channel. This national nonprofit offers completely tuition-free, intensive training in high-demand fields like Cybersecurity, AWS Cloud, and AI-enabled IT Support, delivering a rapid upskilling pathway that aligns with the national reach of Hampton Roads' major employers.

The 13-15 week courses require full-time dedication but yield powerful outcomes: graduates see an average wage boost of $23,000 per year, with job placement rates between 77% and 99%. While the training is conducted remotely, Per Scholas's extensive employer network includes major corporations that hire nationwide, making it a strategically viable launchpad for Chesapeake residents aiming for roles in cloud infrastructure or cyber defense. The program also includes two years of alumni upskilling support, ensuring skills remain current.

The 2026 course cycles start as early as March 23, with applications due by March 9, as noted on their National Remote Training page. Admissions are competitive and assess for aptitude and professional drive over prior experience. As highlighted by the Lever Fund's analysis, these programs are designed to create economic mobility through tech, requiring applicants to demonstrate clear commitment and a compelling reason for their career transition.

For Hampton Roads residents seeking a debt-free, immersive reset into foundational tech roles with strong national placement support, Per Scholas is a deep-water route to a new career. It proves that with the right structured program, geographic location is no barrier to entering the tech workforce.

Huntington Ingalls Technical Internships

In Hampton Roads, securing a technical internship at Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) is less like getting a summer job and more like receiving an invitation to join the crew of the region's economic flagship. These positions at Newport News Shipbuilding serve as a direct, tried-and-true audition for a lifelong career at the nation's premier shipbuilder, working on real-world challenges in cyber defense for naval systems, software development for ship design, and embedded systems engineering.

The pay is competitive, and for certain roles, includes a valuable $500 sign-on or relocation bonus, as noted in recruitment materials. The mentorship is exceptionally direct, often pairing interns with senior engineers who are program alumni themselves. With HII's sustained, multi-decade workload in naval modernization, a successful internship here represents the strongest possible leverage for a full-time offer upon graduation, embedding you in a critical national security mission.

Hiring is rolling but peaks for summer placements. Candidates must keep a close watch on the Huntington Ingalls careers portal. Security is paramount; U.S. citizenship is required, and the ability to eventually obtain a security clearance is non-negotiable. To strengthen an application, highlight any relevant project work in low-level programming, systems architecture, or cybersecurity competitions. Compensation details and first-hand accounts can be researched through resources like a Crown College analysis of shipbuilding internship pay.

For college students in cybersecurity, software engineering, or computer science, this internship isn't just an entry on a resume - it's a launch sequence for a deeply embedded career in the heart of Hampton Roads' defense-tech ecosystem.

Northrop Grumman Pathways Rotational Program

For recent graduates with a bachelor's degree aiming for the upper echelons of defense technology, Northrop Grumman's "Pathways" program is a premier corporate apprenticeship. This three-year rotational program is designed to build the company's next generation of leaders through structured exposure to different business facets, from applied AI/ML and systems engineering to software development on cutting-edge national security platforms.

The program's compensation places candidates in a high earning bracket immediately, with an entry-level salary range of $79,300 to $118,900. It boasts a robust 71% intern-to-full-time conversion rate and includes structured mentorship from senior technical staff. As described on the company's Pathways program overview, this model is engineered to cultivate deep expertise within the corporate culture.

The hiring peak is in the Fall for Summer starts. Prospective candidates should diligently explore opportunities on the Northrop Grumman careers site. Competition is fierce, targeting top academic performers with relevant project portfolios. Strengthen your application with a polished GitHub profile, prior internship experience, and a clear understanding of the company's role in sectors like cyber and aerospace.

In a region saturated with defense contracting, the Pathways program stands out for its formalized investment in graduate development, offering a clear, high-reward channel into the sophisticated tech underpinning modern defense systems. Preparation for rigorous technical interviews focusing on engineering fundamentals is an essential step in navigating this application process successfully.

Norfolk Naval Shipyard Trades Apprenticeship

Within the federal workforce that forms a bedrock of the Hampton Roads economy, the Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) Trades Apprenticeship represents a cornerstone opportunity. This four-year, registered program is designed for individuals seeking hands-on, mission-critical trades with a growing tech edge - such as electrical systems, precision machining, and non-destructive testing - all essential for repairing and modernizing the Navy's fleet.

Apprentices earn while they learn, starting at a wage of $14.03 to $15.46 per hour with guaranteed step increases, full federal benefits, and paid time for related technical instruction. This classroom component is typically fulfilled through a partnership with Tidewater Community College, leading to an Associate Degree upon completion. The result is a stable, pension-eligible career as a journeyman, deeply integrated into the region's defense infrastructure.

Recruitment cycles typically begin in November for placements the following year, with information available through USAJobs.gov and TCC's resources. The application process includes aptitude testing and interviews. While no prior experience is required, showcasing mechanical aptitude, reliability, and a teachable attitude is crucial. Veterans’ preference applies, reflecting the program's alignment with the region's strong military community.

As noted in regional reporting by WHRO, such registered apprenticeships are critical for meeting industrial demand. For those in Chesapeake seeking a debt-free education, immediate income, and a lifelong government career where skilled trades increasingly meet digital diagnostics, this apprenticeship is a proven and strategic channel.

Tidewater Community College Sponsored Apprenticeships

Imagine Tidewater Community College not just as a school, but as the central harbor where local employers dock to find and fuel their future workforce. TCC's sponsored apprenticeship programs are the definitive earn-while-you-learn model for the region, acting as the educational partner for dozens of companies and creating direct channels into cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing roles.

Programs like the one with Sumitomo Drive Technologies at their Chesapeake facility allow apprentices to work full-time with benefits while TCC provides classroom instruction. Apprentice Tyrell Brooks, who transitioned from shipping to machining, described it as feeling like a "match made in heaven" for someone who enjoys building from scratch. As Manufacturing Training Supervisor Brian Stevenson noted, these are "custom-created programs" designed to meet precise employer needs, leading to high placement rates.

With an average annual compensation of $51,972 and programs lasting 1-5 years, these apprenticeships are engineered for stability. As regional experts emphasize, such partnerships are strategic tools to close critical workforce gaps. Admissions are rolling, with cohorts often starting in February and August.

To begin plotting this course, explore the Apprenticeship Programs for Students at TCC and reach out to their apprenticeship office. The application typically involves applying directly with an employer partner, so demonstrating a strong work ethic and commitment to a skilled trade is your most valuable currency.

Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School

Charting a course through Hampton Roads' tech landscape, the Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School is not merely a program - it is the deepest, most secure harbor. Widely regarded as the gold standard, this premier registered apprenticeship represents a career, offering a world-class, compensated education in advanced manufacturing and maritime technology with unparalleled stability.

Over 4 to 8 years, apprentices are paid for a full 40-hour work week - including class time - in one of 19 advanced trades and engineering disciplines, from nuclear test engineering to advanced shipfitting. The outcomes are exceptional, with an 89% promotion rate within three years of completion and graduate earnings ranging from $76,000 to $133,000 annually. This total-immersion experience combines theoretical learning from industry experts with immediate application on the most complex shipbuilding projects in the world.

Applications for the 2026 cohort are typically active in late 2025. Prospective apprentices must monitor the Huntington Ingalls careers site closely for openings. Acceptance is highly competitive, evaluating academic records, standardized test scores, and personal interviews. Success requires demonstrating a strong foundation in math, mechanical reasoning, and a clear passion for skilled, technical work.

The program's value is amplified by significant federal investment, including a $145 million grant targeting shipbuilding apprenticeships. For the highly motivated individual, this apprenticeship is the definitive strategic investment, offering a direct, funded channel into the very heart of Hampton Roads' industrial and technological core.

Conclusion

The tech landscape in Hampton Roads for 2026 isn't a vast, uncharted ocean - it's a well-mapped waterway with deep, maintained channels leading to secure harbors. The apprenticeships, internships, and accelerated programs detailed here are those channels, each engineered by the region's core industries of defense, maritime tech, and healthcare to navigate talent from aspiration to a first paycheck and beyond.

Your strategic choice depends on your timeline and learning style. Apprenticeships like those at NNS or through TCC offer salary and long-term security in exchange for a longer commitment. Internships at HII or Sentara provide condensed, high-impact experience and a critical foot in the door. Accelerated programs like FastForward or Per Scholas deliver rapid credentials for the fastest possible start.

As local workforce experts affirm, these pathways represent a strategic and structured navigation system for developing talent. Your task isn't to chase every opportunity, but to carefully plot your course using this chart. Identify the pathway that aligns with your goals, prepare your vessel with the right skills and mindset, and apply with precision when the channel opens.

The economic tides in Chesapeake and Hampton Roads, powered by sustained federal investment like the $145 million apprenticeship grant, are rising. With a clear chart and a steady hand, you can set a course for a thriving, durable tech career in one of the nation's most strategically important regions.

Frequently Asked Questions