Why don’t construction and factory workers want to build ships?
The United States government is allocating more than a billion dollars to recruit a significant number of workers in Philadelphia and other shipbuilding hubs to bolster the Navy’s capabilities and counter the competition from lower-cost Chinese shipyards. This initiative comes as President Donald Trump puts forth the proposal to expand the Navy. The recruitment campaign includes targeted advertisements like “Build Submarines” on various social media platforms and SEPTA bus shelters, along with providing grants to training programs.
Challenges in Convincing American Workers to Pursue Shipyard Jobs
Michael Cadenazzi, assistant secretary of war for industrial base policy, emphasized the need to engage parents in understanding and supporting their children’s decision to pursue shipbuilding careers over traditional college paths. The recruitment effort faces resistance from potential college students, prompting a focus on tapping into the existing pool of American workers who possess the necessary skills for shipbuilding but are hesitant to enter the industry.
Obstacles in Doubling Ship Workforces in Philadelphia
Despite the ambitions of companies like Hanwha Philly Shipyard and Rhoads Industries to double their ship workforces in the coming years, challenges lie ahead in Philadelphia’s industrial landscape. The city may struggle to attract and retain an industrial workforce due to historical patterns of industrial accidents and long-term health implications. The economic benefits of industrial work come with personal and environmental costs, underscoring the necessity for communities to accept and manage risks associated with manufacturing activities.
This news article highlights the government’s efforts to strengthen the shipbuilding workforce, the reluctance of American workers to pursue shipyard jobs, and the challenges faced in expanding ship workforces in Philadelphia. The insights provided by industry experts shed light on the complexities and considerations involved in enhancing the nation’s shipbuilding capabilities. Philadelphia’s Role in the Maritime Industry
Philadelphia is making strides in the maritime industry, with Rhoads in Philadelphia fabricating nuclear-submarine modules for General Dynamics. This raises the question – can this region eventually build submarines? Nuclear reactors, spaceships, and American submarines are among the most challenging things to build in the world. To be a significant player in the submarine value chain, Philadelphia must aim for spaceshiplike tolerances in their construction processes.
The Navy is emphasizing the need for a diverse industrial base, highlighting the importance of jobs across different sectors. Interestingly, a significant portion of the maritime industrial base comes from inland operations rather than just port cities. For instance, the crucial gearboxes for submarines are built at the Philadelphia Gear plant in California.
Hanwha Philly Shipyard has recently secured orders for two missile and satellite tracking ships from the government. This raises the question of whether Philadelphia-area defense contractors will handle the electronics for these ships. The Lockheed Martin-run Navy electronics facility in Moorestown is a key player in this industry. Philadelphia landing these tracking ships could be attributed to the yard needing a win, especially considering the long backlogs in other shipyards.
On another front, Hanwha is looking to expand its presence by acquiring Austal’s Alabama shipyards and submarine module works, along with its California ship repair facility. This move would position Hanwha as a strong contender in the U.S. shipyard industry, alongside their megayard in Korea. The expectation is that the Austal yard would focus on smaller warships, while Philly Shipyard would concentrate on surface auxiliary vessels.
It is worth noting that many shipyards incur losses as they increase their shipbuilding activities. However, Hanwha believes they can improve on this trend and aims to be successful in their expansion plans. The future looks promising for Philadelphia as it continues to play an essential role in the maritime industry, with various developments and opportunities on the horizon.
