Electric Boat recently held our third annual High School Signing Days in Connecticut and Rhode Island, celebrating 389-and-counting high school students who have chosen to pursue a career in shipbuilding at EB following graduation. Since kicking off our first Signing Days just three years ago, EB has increased the number of students signing on to our team by 500%, growing from 77 students in 2022, 269 in 2023 and just under 400 this year. An exciting day for EB, our future generation of shipbuilders and their loved ones, Signing Day serves as a warm welcome to our new talent, and inspires students coming out of high school to see the great opportunities that come with a career in the trades at EB.
Connecticut’s Signing Day took place on May 29 at Ella T. Grasso Southeastern Technical High School, where students from 24 participating schools in Connecticut and Rhode Island were congratulated for accepting offers to work at EB’s Groton shipyard following graduation. The 210 Connecticut signees were welcomed by EB President Kevin Graney, followed by remarks from Sen. Richard Blumenthal; Rep. Joe Courtney; Sean Scanlon, Connecticut State Comptroller; Dr. Ellen Solek, Executive Director of Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS); Navy representatives and union leadership. In his remarks, Graney shared words from a recently retired EB shipbuilder reflecting on his 48-year career. “I’ve had the pleasure of meeting remarkable people with endless talent, who all had the desire to be the best shipbuilders in the world, and they achieved that title,” said Graney, assuring the students “That’s the career and life experience you’ve signed up for by joining Electric Boat.” Ella T. Grasso Southeastern Technical High School won the annual CT Signing Day Award, given to the school with the highest percentage of students accepting offers to join EB. Come graduation, 20% of Grasso’s senior class will begin their careers in Groton.
In Rhode Island, Signing Day was held at the Rhode Island State House for students from 36 high schools across Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New Jersey. One hundred seventy nine signees were recognized, who will each join the EB team at the Quonset Point facility. Students heard from Joe Shekarchi, Rhode Island State Representative and Speaker of the House; EB’s Mark Rayha, Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer; Sen. Jack Reed; Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse; Rep. Seth Magaziner; Rep. Gabe Amo; Angelica Infante-Green, Rhode Island Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education; Dr. Javier Montanez, Providence Public Schools Superintendent and Navy representatives. “At the end of the day, you’ll know the rewards of having created something with your hands. And, to be honest, it’s hard work. But, if you put in the effort, you’ll learn, grow and know the satisfaction that comes from doing work that matters,” said Rayha in his welcoming remarks. The RI Signing Day Award was given to Providence Career and Technical High School, with 15% of their senior class going to Quonset Point.
At both Signing Days, students received their own hard hat, color-coded to their specialized trade. Equipped with the support of their loved ones, a passion for their trade and their first piece of PPE, all that’s between them and their first day aboard the EB team is graduation. Congratulations to all students for beginning the journey towards a fulfilling and meaningful career, and thank you to the participating schools and staff for your continued support of our soon-to-be shipbuilders. ​
