The Professional Enhancement and Enrichment Rotation (PEER) Program at Newport News Shipbuilding is seeking candidates for Cohort 21, which will begin in July.

The PEER program is a two-year rotation program for full-time, salaried individual contributors. Participation includes four rotations in six-month cycles and a curriculum of seven development workshops. To learn more about the program and its benefits, interested shipbuilders are encouraged to sign up for a lunch and learn event to gain insight about program benefits and learn more about the July 2023 onboarding process.

PEER graduates have consistently experienced career growth while active participants are enjoying the discovery of job fulfillment.

Casey Morrison, who participated in Cohort 1, recently became the first graduate to be promoted to a director position. More than 30 PEER graduates have been promoted to leadership roles. Historically 50-60% of the graduates move into new home departments at program completion.

Gary Figg has led the PEER Program since March 2018. “Coaching our participants to self-discovery and job fulfillment is the greatest joy I’ve experienced in my 35 years with NNS,” he said.

Read below to see what PEER participants and alumni have to say about their experience in the program:

“The PEER Program afforded me the opportunity to understand the broad shipyard enterprise while working with highly engaged individuals in support of constructing the greatest ships on Earth.”
–Ed Fleiss (Cohort 3)

“The PEER Program is scary in a good way. I had the opportunity to step out of my small comfort zone and learn how the overall company works.”
–Jessica Vandygriff (Cohort 10)

“I was strengthened and enriched by my time in the PEER Program. My experience prepared me to be comfortable with being uncomfortable, remain curious without fear, and always strive for excellence.”
–Mackenzie Wilson (Cohort 13)

“The leadership principles I gained during my rotations enabled me to effectively transition into the role of a construction supervisor.”
–Jasmine Bracey (Cohort 14)

“The PEER Program has meant lifelong professional development on a level I could not find anywhere else.”
–Rueben Rosalez (Cohort 17)

“I joined the PEER Program not only to grow, but to get out of my comfort zone and find my niche. I am so glad I chose the PEER Program to explore all of my options.”
–Kristen Washington (Cohort 20)

Contact Gary Figg via email for more information about the PEER Program.