Six Community and Technical Colleges Join Initiative to Address Growing Workforce Needs in Shipbuilding and Submarine Manufacturing

Southfield, Mich., Oct. 13, 2025 – Bolstering the Gulf Coast’s maritime manufacturing workforce is the primary goal of SME’s newly launched Maritime Manufacturing Workforce Pipeline – Gulf Coast (MMWP-GC) initiative, which is an effort designed to strengthen shipbuilding and naval defense in one of the nation’s most critical regions.

“We must act now to prepare the next generation of talent,” said Jeannine Kunz, SME executive director and CEO. “The maritime industrial base is essential to our nation’s security, and the pace of technological advancement means we must act now. This initiative will help creating a strong, connected workforce pipeline that will not only meet today’s needs but also ensure our shipbuilding and defense capabilities remain resilient, innovative, and ready for the future.”

Six community and technical colleges across Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi will join the MMWP-GC’s initial phase: 

• Bishop State Community College, Mobile, AL
• Coastal Alabama Community College, Bay Minette, AL
• Lawson State Community College, Birmingham, AL
• Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Gulfport, MS
• Nunez Community College, Chalmette, LA
• Pearl River Community College, Poplarville, MS

This collaborative effort responds to the urgent need for skilled workers in maritime manufacturing, particularly in shipbuilding and submarine production. The Gulf Coast region is a prime hub for this work, housing shipyards and supply chain operations essential to national security. With more than 75,000 maritime jobs projected to be needed nationally by 2028, the MMWP-GC aims to close workforce gaps and prepare a future-ready pipeline of talent.

Through this initiative, SME will partner with the six leading community colleges listed above to build a comprehensive K–20 career pathway system for maritime manufacturing. With SME’s proven college partnership model, the program will create dual-credit opportunities, clear career pathways, and industry-aligned training methods to develop a skilled workforce for the Gulf Coast’s critical maritime sector.

The MMWP-GC builds on the success of Manufacturing Imperative – Workforce Pipeline Challenge (MI-WPC), SME’s three-year pilot program that challenges 25 participating community and technical colleges to integrate bold, innovative strategies into their manufacturing education plans with a goal to attract 1,000 students at each, resulting in a total 75,000 or more qualified workers in pursuit of manufacturing careers. This initiative will also leverage the SME Education Foundation’s signature program, SME PRIME®, which provides essential resources such as equipment, curriculum, teacher training, student scholarships, funding for extracurricular activities, and support for long-term program sustainability. Combining the promising practices of MI-WPC and SME PRIME creates a connected talent ecosystem—beginning in the Gulf Coast—and accelerates pathways into maritime manufacturing careers.

“Coastal Alabama Community College is proud to partner with SME in strengthening the Gulf Coast’s maritime workforce,” said Dr. Aaron Milner, president of Coastal Alabama Community College. “This initiative is a vital investment in our students, our region, and our nation’s security. By connecting education directly to defense industry needs, we are preparing a pipeline of skilled talent who will fuel economic growth along the Gulf Coast and ensure America’s naval strength for generations to come.”

The MMWP-GC reflects SME’s broader strategy to strengthen America’s manufacturing workforce system by aligning education with evolving industry needs. This initiative emphasizes a whole-system approach, combining curriculum development, hands-on training, national certifications, with strategic partnerships among high schools and colleges to build sustainable career pathways.

About SME

Established in 1932 as a nonprofit organization, SME represents the entire North American manufacturing industry, including manufacturers, academia, professionals, students, and the communities in which they operate. We believe manufacturing holds the key to economic growth and prosperity, and champion the industry's potential as a diverse, thriving, and valued ecosystem. SME accelerates new technology adoption and builds North America’s talent and capabilities to advance manufacturing and drive competitiveness, resiliency, and national security. SME designs new ways to understand and solve problems, and our solutions advance the next wave of growth in manufacturing. Learn more at SME.org.