Ingalls Shipbuilding’s Virtual Reality Welding Lab Surpasses 1,000 Trainees
Ingalls Shipbuilding division has achieved a significant milestone as their Virtual Reality (VR) Welding Lab surpassed 1,000 trainees since its inauguration in January 2025. This accomplishment underscores the positive impact of Ingalls’ investment in cutting-edge training technology and the collaborative efforts of the U.S. Navy, AccelerateMS, and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) in establishing this state-of-the-art facility.
Innovative Training Technology Enhancing Shipbuilding Skills
The VR Welding Lab at Ingalls Shipbuilding seamlessly integrates immersive simulations into the existing welding certification process. This integration allows both new and experienced shipbuilders to gain up to 10 times more hands-on practice in a safe and controlled environment. Anna Bourdais, the director of the Maritime Training Center of Excellence at Ingalls Shipbuilding, emphasized the significance of leveraging immersive technology to ensure shipbuilders possess strong and consistent welding fundamentals. The collaboration with the U.S. Navy and regional workforce partners has already shown promising results in enhancing the skills of Ingalls-trained shipbuilders.
Statewide Workforce Partnerships Elevating Training Opportunities
This milestone exemplifies the value of Mississippi’s statewide workforce partnerships when they are aligned with industry needs, providing high-quality training opportunities. By combining federal support, state workforce investment, and community college instruction with Ingalls’ expertise in shipbuilding and skilled-trades development, this partnership delivers a scalable, industry-aligned program that fortifies Mississippi’s workforce pipeline and bolsters long-term economic resilience across the region.
As the demand for highly skilled craft workers continues to rise, Ingalls plans to expand access to VR welding and explore additional VR-based training opportunities across various trades. The VR welding program remains a cornerstone of Ingalls’ workforce development strategy, supporting new hires, apprentices, and experienced craftsmen in building and delivering the essential ships required by the U.S. Navy.
