Over the next five years, Maine defense contractors are looking to add 8,000 skilled workers and to advance the abilities of 10,000 workers already employed by the state’s industry.
To reach goals like that, the industry has joined with the U.S. Navy and Maine’s higher ed organizations to develop advanced workforce training programs through the Maine Defense Industry Alliance, a new nonprofit coalition.
“Defense-sector manufacturing requires a vast array of skills from design and engineering to precision machining and sophisticated construction techniques,” said Charles Krugh, president of General Dynamics Bath Iron Works. “Employers like BIW need to have a seat at the table with our educational partners to ensure the training provided to Mainers prepares them for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”