Marine Group Boat Works awarded Navy grant to expand certified welding workforce

A shipyard welder. Doug Stewart photo.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. Marine Group Boat Works, San Diego, Calif., has been awarded a $633,005 grant from the U.S. Navy to establish a grant-funded maritime welding program aimed at expanding the pool of welders certified to Navy standards for shipbuilding and repair work.

The grant covers 75% of the program’s total cost, with Marine Group funding the remaining 25%. The initiative is designed to address workforce constraints by increasing the number of welders certified to Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) requirements, supporting production capacity for Navy surface ships and other maritime assets.

Marine Group partnered with the Maritime Institute in San Diego to develop a customized curriculum that combines accredited technical instruction with Navy shipbuilding quality and safety standards. Through the program, the shipyard offers a welding scholarship that pays eligible new and existing employees while they train, and covers the full cost of course materials and instruction throughout the NAVSEA certification process.

Upon successful certification, graduates transition into full-time welding positions at Marine Group.

Go to this link to read the full article published by WorkBoat https://www.workboat.com/marine-group-boat-works-awarded-navy-grant-to-expand-certified-welding-workforce