Project MFG, SENEDIA, and Electric Boat Partner to Deliver Hands-on Technical Education and Workforce Development to Connecticut Students
CONNECTICUT STUDENTS COMPETE IN MARITIME WELDING COMPETITION AND EXPLORE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
April 30, 2024 - GROTON, CT
Project MFG, SENEDIA, and Electric Boat partnered to host the Project MFG CT Maritime Welding Competition and Career Exploration Event. This event brought together 24 students from 6 local schools to compete in a Maritime Welding competition.
Schools that Competed:
• Bristol High School
• Chariho Tech
• Ella T. Grasso Technical High School
• Howell Cheney Technical High School
• Tourtellotte High School
• Westbrook High School
In this competition, students were judged on their ability to weld a miniature submarine. Each project was assessed based on the time it took to complete, the quality of their welds and the integrity of the welds during a pressure test.
These students represent the next generation of submarine shipbuilding and we’re proud to help develop skills to pursue rewarding careers.
Lucas Ubrowicz, a sophomore from Ella T. Grasso Technical High School took first place. Spencer Johnson, a junior from Howell Cheney Technical High School and Parker Slaugenhaup a senior from Chariho Tech came in second and third place, respectively. These students represent the next generation of submarine shipbuilding and we’re proud to help develop skills to pursue rewarding careers.
GENERAL DYNAMICS ELECTRIC BOAT
General Dynamics Electric Boat, a key sponsor of the event, extended offers to six students in attendance. In addition to the Electric Boat talent acquisition team’s efforts, GDEB also helped to connect students to the defense manufacturing industry through their inflatable submarine classroom and an advanced manufacturing trailer through their partnership with EASTCONN.
“We build the world’s most capable submarines and deploy the most innovative technology available to give the U.S. Navy the tools they need to protect our national defense. We take that responsibility seriously, and that means finding, training, and employing the most skilled and dedicated workforce possible,” said Kevin Graney, president of General Dynamics Electric Boat. “Electric Boat’s ranks have grown significantly since 2020, and events like this allow us to stay competitive in continuing to build our workforce.”
Senedia
“SENEDIA’s support of submarine shipbuilding and defense manufacturing workforce development is the bridge between supply chain companies looking for top talent and the people looking for high-wage, high-growth, high-demand careers that make a difference. That work starts early, and this partnership with Project MFG ensures that we are capturing the interest and imagination of the kind of smart, skilled, and energetic young people we want filling the jobs of tomorrow,” said Tim Fox, director of operations at SENEDIA.
In addition to the competition, the event–hosted at Ella T. Grasso Technical High School–featured Project MFG Connect, a networking and informational fair attended by 100 Connecticut and Rhode Island students showcasing the potential employment opportunities from regional suppliers in the submarine shipbuilding and defense manufacturing industry.
