HII's Commitment to Workforce Development
HII's Ingalls Shipbuilding division recently wrapped up its third annual educator externship, successfully hosting educators from various school districts. This initiative is a part of HII's greater effort to uplift the skilled workforce and closely align educational programs with the demands of national defense.
“As we continue to advance our Navy shipbuilding goals, investing in workforce readiness stays central to our mission at Ingalls,” said Susan Jacobs, the vice president of human resources. “This externship program not only strengthens our ties to educational institutions but also equips educators with valuable industry insights, ensuring that local students acquire essential skills for thriving in the shipbuilding sector.”
Enhancing Educators' Skills Through Externship
This year, 15 educators participated in a transformative two-week externship program, which allowed them to gain practical experience through shipyard tours, job shadowing opportunities, and discussions with seasoned shipbuilders. A notable addition to this year's program was a virtual welding lab, where educators engaged in simulation-based training to learn the basics of welding in a safe environment. This experience mirrored the actual training methods used for new shipbuilders, providing educators with a deeper understanding of the foundational skills taught in the industry.
Participating School Districts and Educators
The externship cohort comprised educators from various districts along the Gulf Coast, including:
Biloxi Public School District: Samantha Dronet
Harrison County School District: Sharon Jenkins
Moss Point School District: James Briscoe, Shelia White
Ocean Springs School District: Macy Chism, Tiffany Flowers
Pascagoula-Gautier School District: Santorial Brumfield, Jessica DeBose, Chandra Fuller, Shaun Gilley, Keisha Keyes, Kelly Lane, Beverly McInnis, Portia Robinson, Shauna Watts
Investing in the Future Workforce
Beyond the externship program, Ingalls Shipbuilding is dedicated to further enriching the local workforce through varied initiatives. These include the Shipbuilder Academy, technical training programs in high schools, and collaborations with local community colleges. As a division of HII, Ingalls actively participates in wider commitments to hands-on training through apprenticeship programs and partnerships with both two-year and four-year academic institutions.
By placing significant resources into education and workforce development, Ingalls demonstrates a steadfast commitment to fostering a skilled workforce while simultaneously constructing both ships and careers in the Gulf Coast region.
About HII
HII is recognized as a leading global defense contractor, dedicated to delivering robust all-domain solutions. With a mission to produce the most capable ships and services for the nation, HII ensures that customers can effectively safeguard peace and freedom around the globe.
As the premier military shipbuilder of the United States with over 135 years of history in enhancing national security, HII offers critical capabilities from advanced shipbuilding to unmanned systems, cutting-edge cyber solutions, and more. Headquartered in Virginia, HII boasts a skilled workforce of approximately 44,000 employees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of HII's educator externship program?
The program aims to strengthen the connection between education and industry by providing educators with insights into shipbuilding and related skills.
Who participated in this year's externship?
Fifteen educators from various school districts along the Mississippi Gulf Coast joined the externship, gaining valuable experience relevant to local career development.
What innovative training was included in the externship?
The externship featured a virtual welding lab, allowing educators to learn basic welding techniques in a safe, simulated setting.
How does HII support local workforce development?
HII invests in programs like the Shipbuilder Academy, technical training in high schools, and partnerships with community colleges to enhance local workforce skills.
What is HII's mission as a defense contractor?
HII's mission is to produce powerful, capable ships and solutions that enable customers to protect peace and freedom globally.
