Virginia Talent Pipeline Project Celebrates Second “Signing Day”
On May 7, the Virginia Talent Pipeline Project (VTPP) held its second “Signing Day” Ceremony at the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside hotel in Norfolk, Virginia. The VTPP aims to reinvigorate the defense trade skills workforce in the Hampton Roads region and across Virginia. The signing ceremony formally recognized the work of 57 defense employers in Virginia and the Carolinas, who collectively hired more than 1,200 workforce members into mission-critical careers in the Defense Industrial Base.
CMC Jeff Hiscocks, PEO Team Submarines
Employer partners, facilitators, training providers, and U.S. Navy leaders gathered in a celebration of the new hires and the significance of their roles. In their remarks, Justin Meyer, Executive Director for PEO Carriers and Command Master Chief Jeff Hiscocks, PEO Team Submarines, highlighted the essential role played by all new hires within the defense industrial base in supporting the mission.
“It doesn’t matter what your position or title is, you are contributing to national security,” said CMC Hiscocks, “You are helping the United States of America exercise power projection and diplomacy from whatever shop floor or work complex that you call your office.”
Mike Ross, TE Connectivity, Assembly Operator
Mike Ross, an Assembly Operator at TE Connectivity, and a veteran of the U.S. Army, served as the new hire guest speaker for the event. In his speech, Ross expressed gratitude for the professional development opportunities at TE and the privilege of continuing to serve the military, even beyond uniformed service.
“Every day, I am driven by a sense of purpose, knowing that the parts we develop contribute to the defense of our country and its allies,” said Ross.
CMC Hiscocks closed the event by emphasizing the critical role of the workforce in supporting the Submarine Industrial Base and the broader military mission. He underscored the significance of the industrial base providing the necessary capability, capacity, lethality, technology, efficiency, consistency, and quality to ensure the nation’s adversaries meet each day with the decision to not engage in conflict for fear our superior platforms.
"Those two words, 'not today,' belong to you. They belong to your coworkers, your companies, and the 16,000-plus companies that support the Submarine Industrial Base," said CMC Hiscocks.
Through training, coaching, and encouragement, the VTPP strives to empower companies to enhance their talent acquisition and retention systems, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the demands of our nation's defense.
View Photos from the event: HERE
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