Virginia’s Workforce Pipeline Supports U.S. Navy’s Submarine Building Program

In response to the U.S. Navy’s increasing demand for submarines, the Submarine Industrial Base (SIB) Program Office is ramping up efforts to deliver one Columbia-class submarine and two Virginia-class submarines each year. This ambitious goal requires a significant increase in production, equivalent to five times the 2015 build rate, necessitating an additional 140,000 skilled workers over the next decade.

Expanding Workforce Demand in Virginia

The demand for skilled workers in Virginia extends beyond the Navy’s submarine program. Projects like the construction of the John F. Kennedy Ford-class aircraft carrier and ongoing work on vessels like the USS Enterprise and Doris Miller are driving the need for a proficient workforce in aerospace, maritime, and defense industries. Furthermore, the Navy is exploring collaborations with Virginia manufacturers to develop cutting-edge technologies, including unmanned waterborne vehicles, creating opportunities for workers with expertise in welding, engineering, robotics, and advanced manufacturing.

Building an Advanced Manufacturing Workforce in Danville

Despite being more than 200 miles from the ocean, Danville is emerging as a hub for maritime expertise through strategic investments in talent development. The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) in Danville has been instrumental in creating a skilled trade and manufacturing workforce pipeline by expanding career and technical education programs. Initiatives like the Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC) program have introduced students to various skills, including welding, CNC manufacturing, and robotics, preparing them for careers in advanced manufacturing.

Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing Program

In response to the Navy’s workforce needs, the IALR developed the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program, designed to equip trainees with essential skills for defense manufacturing roles. With federal support, the program aims to graduate up to 1,000 students annually, reducing the time needed for companies to train new hires. The success of the ATDM program has positioned Danville as a model for workforce training programs nationwide to meet the Navy’s evolving needs.

National Center for the Maritime Industry in Hampton Roads

The Hampton Roads Workforce Council (HRWC) in Norfolk plays a pivotal role in coordinating maritime training programs to support the nation’s military metro. Through the Hampton Roads Maritime Training System, the HRWC connects trainees from various programs, like the ATDM, to job opportunities in the defense sector. With support from the Navy, the SIB Program Office, and other agencies, the Maritime Training System is enhancing the workforce pipeline to meet the growing demands of the maritime industry in Hampton Roads.

In conclusion, Virginia’s innovative workforce development initiatives are crucial in supporting the U.S. Navy’s submarine building program and ensuring a skilled workforce for the defense sector. By investing in talent development and strategic partnerships, Virginia is paving the way for a robust maritime industry workforce that meets the evolving needs of the Navy and other defense projects. The Apprentice School in Newport News Trains Shipbuilders for NNS

Since 1919, The Apprentice School in Newport News has been a key training ground for shipbuilders destined for Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS), a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII). The school plays a crucial role in preparing skilled workers for the demanding shipbuilding industry.

At the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), welding remains a popular program in the Advanced Manufacturing Technician (ADTM) track. However, there is growing interest in nondestructive testing (NDT) due to the Navy’s increased focus on this area. IALR is also considering adding a track focused on electronics, a field in high demand in both shipbuilding and the Navy for submarines and surface ships.

The demand for skilled workers in shipbuilding is further enhanced by the trilateral AUKUS partnership between the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. This security agreement includes the Royal Australian Navy’s purchase of five Virginia-class submarines from the United States. As a member of the AUKUS Workforce Alliance, NNS is dedicated to building a skilled workforce to support this partnership. The College of William & Mary will serve as the U.S. academic home for this collaboration.

Focus on Aerospace Excellence

In addition to shipbuilding, Virginia is also meeting the growing demand for aerospace applications. According to a statewide aerospace workforce needs study conducted by the Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) in partnership with the Virginia Aviation Business Association, 68% of surveyed aerospace companies and suppliers anticipate an increase in workforce demand. This demand is particularly focused on software and aerospace engineering, as well as technicians for engineering and unmanned aircraft systems.

The VSGC works across all levels of the workforce pipeline, offering programs like the Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars and the Virginia Earth Systems Science Scholars for high school students. These programs provide hands-on experiences at NASA facilities, helping students develop technical and soft skills essential for the aerospace industry.

At the university level, VSGC member institutions offer research scholarships and fellowship programs to students. The VSGC also partners with the Virginia Community College System to provide internships for students, preparing them for careers in aerospace and unmanned systems industries.

Employers in the aerospace sector value hands-on training and practical experience, making programs like those offered by VSGC essential for preparing a skilled technical workforce. Demonstrating credentials and competencies is becoming increasingly important for individuals entering the aerospace and defense industries.

In Virginia, a wide range of hands-on training opportunities are available to individuals at every level, ensuring that they are well-equipped for rewarding careers in advancing innovative technology and supporting the defense mission.