Looking for a head start in your Apprenticeship?

EDGE courses are offered four times a year. Use the timeline provided on the page to preview upcoming EDGE quarters.

Winter application details are located at the bottom of this page.

Prepare for a future at Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) with the Early Development and Guided Education (EDGE) program that is designed to help students get a head start in shipbuilding careers. Through this program, students earn credits toward an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Maritime Technology.

Who can participate in EDGE?

New Start Apprentices – those who have begun the hands-on apprenticeship work but have not yet started formal academic classes.
Those with contingent offers – those who have been given an official start-date at The Apprentice School but have not yet started or met all the requirements.
Current NNS Employees looking to transfer into The Apprentice School
High School Juniors and Seniors

EDGE Requirements:

To apply for EDGE, you should:

Hold grades of C or better in Math, Science, and English.
Have completed Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry with a C or better.
Submit your application and all official up-to-date transcripts and required forms by the deadline.
Provide written consent from a parent or guardian, if under 18.
Have access to a computer with a CAMERA and reliable WiFi.

Why Choose EDGE?

EDGE courses are FREE!
EDGE courses are entirely online, so they can be completed from anywhere!
EDGE courses are done on your own time and are asynchronous. For most assignments, you will watch pre-recorded videos and complete tasks by the deadline provided. Some courses require occasional online meetings at designated times.

For those interested in / applying to The Apprentice School:

EDGE courses count as an additional qualifying credit on your Apprentice School application. Acceptance to our school is highly competitive – successful completion of EDGE classes increases your chances of being accepted!
EDGE courses can only help you – any unsatisfactory grade can be dropped and will not be held against you in the Admissions process, assuming you have upheld all academic integrity standards.
If you are successful in an EDGE course, The Apprentice School application fee is waived! Be sure to notify Admissions of your EDGE status.

For those accepted to The Apprentice School (before WCSC classes begin):

EDGE allows you to get a head-start on required classes. You can move through academics faster and spend more time in your trade. If you successfully complete an EDGE course, you won’t have to repeat that class when your formal academics begin.
EDGE classes give you the unique advantage of dropping final grades, unlike in-person courses. Unsatisfactory final grades in EDGE can be dropped from your transcript, and you can retake the course, assuming you have upheld all academic integrity standards.

The EDGE program is a great step towards an apprenticeship and a rewarding career at Newport News Shipbuilding. Get the education, skills, and pathway you need for success.

Ready to Apply?

WINTER 2026 APPLICATIONS

Application Opens: October 13, 2025
Application Deadline: November 14, 2025
- All application material, including required forms and transcripts, are due by this date.
Classes Run: January 7, 2026 – March 17, 2026

Click here to view: Winter EDGE Courses

Click here to: Complete your application

Not sure what course to take? Explore the EDGE Course Checklist

Have questions? Check out our FAQ Section for contact details and more.

Apprentice EDGE