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.

Foundation Programs

19th Annual Tradesperson of the Year Awards

The Virginia Ship Repair Foundation honored the top tradespeople in the industry at its 19th Annual Tradesperson of the Year Awards. These awards celebrate the dedication and skill of individuals in the ship repair sector.

VSRF Volunteer of the Year Scholarship

Powered by the Bill Crow Memorial Endowment Fund

The Virginia Ship Repair Foundation is proud to present our annual VSRF Volunteer of the Year Scholarship. To honor outstanding dedication to our industry, the scholarship is uniquely renamed each year after our Volunteer of the Year winner. Awards are presented to students advancing their education and career in the ship repair industry in the latter half of Q2.

You can make a direct donation to our scholarship fund. 100% of your donation goes directly to funding student scholarships.

All contributors will be recognized and announced as a donating company for their generous support.
Please note: A scholarship donation is a direct contribution to the fund. It is separate from any event sponsorship.

2027 Scholarship Applications: Applications for the 2027 scholarship cycle are not open yet, but will be soon. Please check back for updates!

Donate Today! Apply Soon!

Junior Ship Repair Challenge

The Virginia Ship Repair Foundation (VSRF) presents the Junior Ship Repair Challenge (formerly known as the Digital Innovation Competition), an annual STEM-based competition that introduces middle school students to the ship repair industry through problem-solving, research, and design. Participation in the VSRF Junior Ship Repair Challenge give teams the chance to win cash prizes for their school!

Marine Trade Training Program

Our Marine Trade Training Program is designed to help you get a head-start on a rewarding career in the Ship Repair Industry. With a 90% hire rate after completing the training, we encourage all trying to get into the industry to seek our training. And for any companies looking for new employees, look no further than what VSRF can help with.

View MTT Program

Outreach

There are specific events the Foundation puts on that VSRA companies can sponsor and attend. Events include Admirals Night at the Scope, Race Night at Langley Speedway, and famous the VSRF Golf Tournament. All events help raise money for training and spread awareness of the industry!

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.

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 Thursday of each month. For questions about the VSRF and its initiatives, please contact Katie Griffin at KGriffin@VirginiaShipRepair.org or Joe Frommelt at JFrommelt@VirginiaShipRepair.org or call the VSRA office at (757) 233-7034.

View VSRF Board