Virginia Talent Pipeline Project Hosts Third Annual Career Discovery Day
Portsmouth, VA –On November 19, 2024, the Virginia Talent Pipeline Project joined forces with Project MFG to host the third annual Career Discovery Day and Project MFG Maritime Welding Competition at Tidewater Community College’s Skilled Trades Academy in Portsmouth, VA. This event serves as a vital link between talented students and industry leaders in the defense manufacturing sector, creating pathways for future careers while addressing the increasing demand for skilled trades professionals.
Keynote speaker Senior Chief Paul Schiro delivered an inspiring address, highlighting the essential role skilled professionals play in maintaining fleet readiness and national security. “Without your guy’s level of knowledge and skillset to do that, the submarine can’t do what it’s got to do,” said Schiro. He emphasized that every contribution, regardless of role, is vital to sustaining the maritime and defense industrial base.
In addition to networking opportunities, the day included the Project MFG Maritime Welding Competition. This competition allowed students from local high schools and vocational programs to showcase their welding skills and compete for top prizes. A panel of expert welders and industry professionals from Allfirst, Bay Metals & Fabrication, and Mills Marine & Ship Repair evaluated the students’ work. Judging criteria included the quality of their welds, precision of measurements, and strict adherence to safety protocols, highlighting the real-world expectations of the maritime and defense industries.
The winners of the competition were:
First Place: Austin Wert, T.H. Badger Technical School
Second Place: Thomas Thach, Advanced Technology Institute (ATI)
Third Place: Elizabeth Otocka, Advanced Technology Institute (ATI)
First and second-place winners received invitations to participate in Project MFG’s National Maritime Championship in the spring.
During the awards ceremony, Ryan Eubank of Project MFG encouraged students to make the most of their opportunities and embrace their futures with determination. “Because there’s mountains to climb, there’s ships to build, there’s submarines to have float across our oceans to protect us, and guide us, and direct us,” he said.
The event also featured interactive demonstrations from Newport News Shipbuilding, including virtual welding, laser scanning, and hands-on activities, giving attendees a glimpse into the future of skilled trades and manufacturing.
Career Discovery Day 2024 reinforced the value of vocational education and demonstrated how cultivating partnerships between educators and employers can address modern workforce challenges.
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