November 1, 2023, Hampton, VA - On Wednesday, November 1, 2023, the Virginia Talent Pipeline Project held its second Career Discovery Day and Project MFG Welding Competition at Virginia Peninsula Community College in Hampton, Virginia. The event sought to empower and invigorate the Hampton Roads defense industrial base by developing the maritime-focused manufacturing talent pipeline in support of the Navy’s significant demand for critical trade skills.

“It is so critically important that we continue to have that development and continued talent to help build our nation’s infrastructure,” said CMC Jeff Hiscocks during his keynote speech.

The welding competition, hosted by Virginia Peninsula Community College and run by Project MFG, included 20 talented individuals from area high schools and community and technical education (CTE) centers. The competitors were tasked with welding miniature submarines within a challenging two-hour timeframe. When announcing the results, the judges noted the unwavering positivity and resilience exhibited by the competitors amid obstacles.
Congratulations to the following winners of the competition:

• First: James Logan - T.H. Badger Technical Center - North/Accomack County

• Second: Carson Caddy - Tidewater Community College Skilled Trades Academy

• Third: Carialy Garcia Pillot - New Horizons

  
  In addition to prizes, the 1st place winner was also awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the American Welding Society.
  
  Additional photos: https://bit.ly/3MsKDhF
  
  #VTPP #ProjectMFG #jobfair #manufacturing #welding #shipbuilding#buildsubmarines #talentpipeline #talentacquisition Project MFG New Horizons Regional Education Centers Tidewater Community College