Overview
Shipbuilding and Repair Career Day Events (2007-375)
Project Team:
- Old Dominion University Research Foundation
- Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding
- Northrop Grumman Ship Systems
- Colonna's Shipyard
January 2007 - July 2008
NSRP ASE Investment: $213K
Industry Investment: $213K
Objective:
Introduce middle and high school students, as well as guidance counselors and teachers, to the career possibilities in the shipbuilding and repair industry and promote the industry in a positive manner.
Summary:
During the past several years, workforce issues have emerged as a dominant concern for the shipbuilding and repair industry. Related issues include concern about workforce aging, lack of basic technical education, career transition processes, recruitment and training of the new workforce, retention and training of the incumbent workforce, image of the industry and lack of career information for middle and high school students. The Shipbuilding Career Days project provided two day-long educational events for students to learn about various career options in shipbuilding and ship repair in two major shipbuilding areas – – Hampton Roads and Gulf Coast. It addressed the knowledge gap that exists among middle and high school students about careers in the shipbuilding and repair industry and promoted a positive industry image to students and the general public. The project team, led by Old Dominion University, developed four simulation kits for use by counselors and teachers that provide a valuable learning experience for students about various trade activities and processes involved in building a ship. The career day events included hands-on activities to provide realistic experiences about the work environment and processes that are used in shipbuilding and the ship repair industry. The Career Days project also included programs to educate counselors and teachers about the needs of the shipbuilding and repair industry. The ultimate goal of this effort was to improve the shipbuilding and repair industry’s ability to recruit qualified candidates by creating a larger pool of interested candidates and establishing a pipeline for future recruitment.
Key Deliverables:
Final Report – Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited
Point of Contact:
Dr. Alok Verma, Old Dominion University