Electric Boat and the Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance (SENEDIA) joined Project MFG yesterday in hosting their Maritime Welding Event at Providence Career and Technical Academy (PCTA). Project MFG, a national organization, holds competitions for students across the country, helping the next generation of skilled trade professionals advance in their craft and showcase their talent while encouraging careers in shipbuilding.
Yesterday’s event featured a welding competition, where 16 students from Electric Boat partner schools in Providence, RI, competed while showcasing and challenging their welding skills. Over the course of two rounds, each student welded together a small “submarine” that was judged before crowning the winners. Designed to require several skills to complete, including an air pressure test, a valve was incorporated into the construction of the sail to enable the “submarine” to be pressurized and tested for leaks.
In addition to the welding competition, the students took part in Project MFG Connect—a career exploration event providing them the opportunity to connect with industry experts in the submarine shipbuilding supply chain, manufacturing companies and state leaders. Members from Electric Boat’s talent acquisition team in attendance were able to connect with the next generation talent and share about careers available in submarine shipbuilding, particularly welding, at EB.
“If you pursue a shipbuilding career, and I sincerely hope you do, you’ll have the same opportunities I did to learn new skills and contribute in meaningful ways,” said Kevin Graney, who welcomed the students to the connect event in addition to Representative Magaziner, Senator Reed and Senator Whitehouse. “There is nothing more rewarding than stretching yourself and making a difference, all while providing for yourself and your family in a stable career.”​
