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.
MDA Apprenticeship Application Now Open
Application Window: August 1, 2026 – August 31, 2026 The MDA Apprenticeship Program is a four-year initiative designed to develop a highly skilled workforce for Electric Boat. This program provides three years of on‑the‑job training alongside qualified subject matter experts, combined with classroom instruction across various technical disciplines. Participants gain advanced skills, broaden their expertise, and...Continue reading→
Building 600 Tech Stop Relocation
On Monday, August 3, 2026, Facilities will be relocating the Tech Stop currently located in Building 600 4th Floor East to its new location in Building 130-01 Classroom 7. During this time, please utilize the alternate Tech Stop location: B708 (625 Long Hill Road) Hours: Monday – Friday: 7:00 am – 3:00 pm The tech stop will resume...Continue reading→
A Message From Mark Rayha: Historic Contracts/Rayha Report
Electric Boat featured in latest episode of ‘Cast in Steel’
General Dynamics Electric Boat is featured in the latest episode of Cast in Steel, a web series that showcases the leaders of America’s steel industry as part of their competition to promote careers in metalworking. The Cast in Steel team visited our Quonset Point facility to highlight how EB’s shipbuilders transform flat steel into nuclear...Continue reading→
EB’s Groton Shipyard Celebrates 100 Years of Submarine Construction
The first submarine ever built in Electric Boat’s Groton shipyard slid gracefully from its ways into the Thames River 100 years ago, taking to the water with “scarcely a splash” before a crowd of 1,500, according to newspaper accounts at the time. A century after the 800-ton, 200-foot-long R2 was launched, EB shipbuilders continue to...Continue reading→
President Trump Gives Our Submarines a Shoutout at Pennsylvania Innovation and Defense Summit
Rayha Report Ep. 23: Matt Olander Honored by UConn College of Engineering
Rayha Report Ep. 22: Run to Home Base 2026
In his latest Rayha Report, EB President Mark Rayha talks with Run to Home Base co-chair Tammee Sweck and runners Amy and Greyson Stephenson about why this annual fundraiser means so much to our veterans, service members, and their families. Learn how Team General Dynamics is preparing for the July 25 event at Fenway Park...Continue reading→
Rayha Report Ep. 21: Backstage With Chris Stapleton
In the latest Rayha Report, EB President Mark Rayha hit the road for a backstage chat with American singer-songwriter and guitarist Chris Stapleton. Chris is not only an extraordinary artist, but someone whose values resonate deeply with the people of Electric Boat: pride in craftsmanship, respect for hard work and a genuine love for this...Continue reading→
Happy Fourth of July
As America marks its 250th birthday, we celebrate the generations of shipbuilders whose skill and commitment have strengthened our nation, and especially thank our current generation of EB shipbuilders for all you’re doing to meet this challenging moment in history. Happy Fourth of July.
