The BOAT for Women is a free career-exploration program for women who may be looking to learn more about the marine trades. The program is offered by General Dynamics Electric Boat and sponsored by Real Jobs Rhode Island. Electric Boat Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Elicia Spearman spoke with PBN about the program.
PBN: How long has General Dynamics Electric Boat been offering the program?
SPEARMAN: The BOAT for Women has been offered since July of 2019 and has impacted 48 women. Three sessions have been conducted, with additional sessions scheduled for Feb. 4 and May 5. Our February session is full, but there are still openings for May. People who are interested in participating should contact Heather Lee at (401) 268-3469.
PBN: How did organizers choose the topics that will be discussed?
SPEARMAN: In order to meet the expanded needs of the U.S. Navy, Electric Boat is projected to hire thousands of tradespeople over the next decade. We selected trades based on our future hiring demands. Trades taught at New England Institute of Technology are welding, shipfitting and machining. The trades taught at the Community College of Rhode Island at the Westerly Education Center are maritime pipefitting, maritime electrical and sheet-metal mechanic.
PBN: Are the sessions geared specifically toward career-changers?
SPEARMAN: Women from all backgrounds and age groups, ranging from 19 to 60 years old from across the state have applied for the BOAT program. The sessions are geared toward women across the career spectrum: career-changers, women reentering the workforce and those looking to begin their careers who don’t know where to start. The goal is to expose women to the manufacturing industry and career opportunities at Electric Boat. We wanted to give women an opportunity to explore nontraditional occupations while working under the guidance of professionally trained and skilled instructors.
PBN: Who are the instructors for the free classes?
SPEARMAN: All instructors are college-affiliated teachers. Most of the instructors are past or current Electric Boat employees and/or experts in their field. Electric Boat works very closely with both institutions to review curriculum and support the institutions in any way we can.
PBN: What do you think surprises women most about working in the trades once they’ve made the switch or started in a trade industry right out of school?
SPEARMAN: Women seem surprised by the number of women that are already working in the trades at Electric Boat and are genuinely pleased by how interesting they find the trades. During the tours of the shipyard and facilities, they have asked their female tour guides questions about working in a male-dominated industry. This knowledge-sharing has given them the confidence to pursue careers at Electric Boat.
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.
Electric Boat and SENEDIA Celebrate 10,000-Graduate Milestone
We are proud to recognize a major workforce milestone with the Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance (SENEDIA), one of Electric Boat’s key training and workforce development partners. At an event on July 1, 2026, held at the Westerly Education Center, SENEDIA celebrated the 10,000th graduate to complete the New England Submarine Shipbuilding Partnership—a regional...Continue reading→
Safety Update: Installation of Speed Tables on Eastern Point Road
In an effort to increase safety at Electric Boat’s Groton shipyard, two speed tables are being installed across Eastern Point Road this week. The tables, a few inches tall and marked with yellow stripes, are designed to slow vehicle traffic in an area frequented by pedestrians. The first speed table crosses Eastern Point Road just...Continue reading→
EB firefighters recognized for life-saving rescues
Five members of the Electric Boat Fire Department in Groton were recognized for perilous, life-saving rescues during a pair of multi-alarm fires that engulfed apartments in Groton and New London in 2025. Firefighters Thomas Gugliotti, Arthur Keaten, Theodore Bartkoski, James Brady and Capt. Ryan Boulanger were each presented with Lifesaving Awards and the prestigious 2026...Continue reading→
The Barnacle: Parking Enforcement That Sticks
Meet the Barnacle, Electric Boat’s newest parking-enforcement tool that will begin deployment in the Groton shipyard starting Monday, June 15. As our enterprise continues to grow, we are dedicated to ensuring parking is safe, fair and accessible to all. The Barnacle is an immobilizing parking-enforcement device that attaches directly to a vehicle’s windshield using heavy-duty,...Continue reading→
Honoring the U.S. Army Birthday
June 14th marks the 251st Birthday of the United States Army, a moment to honor the enduring legacy, bravery, and sacrifice of those who have worn the Army uniform since 1775. As the oldest branch of the U.S. military, the Army has played a vital role in shaping our nation’s history and safeguarding its freedoms....Continue reading→
Rayha Report Ep. 20: 2026 EB Signing Days
Electric Boat held recent Signing Day ceremonies at Cranston West High School on May 21 and the Garde Arts Center in New London on May 28. EB President Mark Rayha spoke with students about their decision to join EB and educators who prepare their students for careers in shipbuilding. Click here to see the latest installment of the Rayha...Continue reading→
Save the Date: CT Health Fairs Kick Off June 9
A Message From Dan Vieira and Kathleen Heller At EB, Safety and Wellness go far beyond meeting basic compliance standards. Our focus is on building a culture where employees can thrive in every aspect of their lives. Prioritizing wellbeing is vital to being our best on the job and at home with our families. ​​...Continue reading→
Supporting Our Neighbors Impacted by The Ledges Apartments Fire
Early Sunday morning, a devastating fire occurred at The Ledges Apartments in Groton. Eighteen fire departments, including Electric Boat’s, responded.  Thanks to the heroism of these first responders no residents were injured. The fire did, however, displace more than approximately 50 residents and destroyed or damaged 44 units in the building. Several EB employees were...Continue reading→
Pride Month Celebrations at Electric Boat
June 1st marks the start of Pride Month, a time for millions of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies around the world to come together in celebration and reflection. From film festivals and art shows, to marches and concerts, Pride is a vibrant tribute to LGBTQ+ culture, history and the relentless spirit of activism. It’s a chance...Continue reading→
