U.S. Navy Talent Pipeline Career Discovery Day Connects Students with Industry Leaders
Philadelphia, PA – The U.S. Navy Talent Pipeline Program successfully hosted the fourth annual Career Discovery Day on October 22, 2024, an event designed to bridge the gap between talented students and industry leaders in defense manufacturing. The event connected over 180 students from 17 Career and Technical Education (CTE) institutions with 14 companies from various facets of manufacturing. The Career Discovery Day provided a unique opportunity for students to establish meaningful professional relationships that could shape their future careers and strengthen the workforce.
Deputy Flag Sponsor, Senior Chief Paul Schiro, the keynote speaker, emphasized the importance of fleet maintenance in national safety and the critical role skilled professionals play in sustaining the maritime and defense industrial base. His speech highlighted the Navy's commitment to fostering the next generation of skilled workers through initiatives like the Talent Pipeline Program.
In addition to networking opportunities, the day included the Project MFG Maritime Welding Competition hosted by Philly Shipyard, Inc. and Rhoads Industries. This competition allowed students to showcase their welding skills and compete for top prizes. A panel of expert welders and industry professionals evaluated participants on their welding techniques, safety procedures, and problem-solving abilities.
The winners of the competition were:
First Place: Johnny Smoker from Pennock’s Bridge TCHS
Second Place: Logan Rutkowski from Lehigh Career & Technical Institute
Third Place: Logan Albright from Western Montgomery CTC
First and second-place winners received invitations to participate in Project MFG’s National Maritime Championship in the spring. Additionally, Johnny Smoker was awarded a scholarship from the American Welding Society to further his education.
The Project MFG Maritime Welding Competition underscored the significance of vocational education in meeting modern workforce demands. Events like these are crucial in shaping skilled professionals equipped with the knowledge necessary to thrive in the manufacturing industry.
The U.S. Navy remains committed to supporting initiatives that energize and engage the American economy by creating sustainable talent pipelines for future generations.
For more information about future events or how to get involved with the U.S. Navy Talent Pipeline Program, please visit https://dibtalentpipeline.com