Project MFG, SENEDIA, and Electric Boat Partner to Deliver Hands-on Technical Education and Workforce Development to Rhode Island Students
Rhode Island STUDENTS COMPETE IN MARITIME WELDING COMPETITION AND EXPLORE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
May 6, 2024 - PROVIDENCE, RI
PROVIDENCE, RI – More than 150 Rhode Island students got an up-close look at careers in manufacturing and defense at the Maritime Welding Competition and Career Exploration Event sponsored by Project MFG, General Dynamics Electric Boat, and SENEDIA–The Alliance for Defense Tech, Talent, and Innovation.
Schools that Competed:
• Chariho Tech
• Cranston High School East
• Cranston High School West
• Coventry High School
• PPSD Newcomer Academy
• Pawtucket School Department
• Providence Career & Technical Academy
• Warwick Career and Technical Center
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.
Alexis Lozada from Providence Career & Technical Academy took first place in the welding competition, where students were timed and judged on their ability to weld a miniature submarine. Hannah Dion from Chariho Tech and Zachary DeCorpo from Warwick Area Career and Technical Center came in second and third place, respectively.
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee
“Defense is critical industry in the Rhode Island economy, generating $7.6 billion in annual economic output and providing jobs to more than 34,000 Rhode Islanders,” said Governor Dan McKee. “With General Dynamics Electric Boat and so many other supply chain companies throughout the state, there are great opportunities for our young people in this field. In order to maintain our economic strength in the industry and enhance our national security, we need a highly skilled workforce and events like this are crucial to building the talent pipeline.”
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 featured Project MFG Connect, a networking and informational fair showcasing the work of and potential employment opportunities from regional suppliers in the submarine shipbuilding and defense manufacturing industry.
