Addressing Workforce Issues in Maritime Maintenance and Shipbuilding

A PROPOSAL FOR MARITIME MAINTENANCE & SHIPBUILDING UNIVERSITY (MMSU) ESTABLISHMENT IN HAMPTON ROADS

Ted Dennis, USN MCPO (ret)

1. Introduction 

The maritime shipbuilding, maintenance and repair industry is a critical component of the United States Navy's operational readiness. This sector is tasked with the building, upkeep, repair, and modernization of the Navy's extensive fleet, ensuring vessels are prepared for both routine and emergency operations. The effectiveness of this industry is directly linked to the quality of its workforce. However, the industry currently faces significant challenges, including a shortage of skilled tradesmen and the high costs of training programs. These issues threaten the industry's ability to meet the Navy's demands. This paper proposes the establishment of the Maritime Maintenance and Shipbuilding University (MMSU) to address these challenges through a joint training program that integrates US Navy Sailors and industry tradesmen.

2. Workforce Challenges 

2.1 Shortage of Skilled Tradesmen 

The maritime maintenance industry is experiencing a persistent shortage of skilled tradesmen. This issue is exacerbated by an aging workforce, with many experienced tradesmen nearing retirement, and a lack of new entrants into the field. Young people often perceive the industry as less attractive, leading to a smaller pool of potential recruits. Additionally, competitive wages and better working conditions in other sectors contribute to high turnover rates, further compounding the workforce shortage.

2.2 Prohibitive Costs of Training Programs 

Training programs in the maritime maintenance industry are costly, requiring significant financial resources that many small and large businesses cannot afford. This financial burden limits the accessibility of training opportunities and deters potential recruits who may be unable to afford the costs of training without financial aid or scholarships.

Moreover, the Navy itself faces challenges in adequately funding its training programs. Budget constraints and competing priorities often result in insufficient resources being allocated to the development and maintenance of comprehensive training programs. This lack of funding can lead to outdated training materials, inadequate facilities, and a shortage of qualified instructors, all of which hinder the Navy's ability to effectively train its personnel. As a result, the Navy struggles to maintain a workforce that is fully equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the demands of maritime maintenance and repair. This situation underscores the need for innovative solutions, such as the proposed joint training program, to bridge the gap and ensure a competent and ready workforce.

2.3 Need for a More Robust and Efficient Training Infrastructure 

The maritime maintenance industry requires a more robust and efficient training infrastructure to effectively address its workforce challenges. The current infrastructure is often fragmented and inconsistent, with varying levels of training provided by different businesses and organizations. This lack of standardization leads to disparities in the quality of training, making it difficult for the industry to ensure that all workers possess the necessary skills and competencies.

Furthermore, many existing training programs are generic and do not adequately address the specific needs of the maritime maintenance industry. This results in a skills gap, with workers lacking the specialized skills and competencies needed to maintain and repair the Navy's fleet. The absence of a standardized training curriculum that aligns with both Navy standards and industry best practices further exacerbates this issue, hindering the development of a competent workforce.

To overcome these challenges, there is a pressing need for a unified training curriculum that provides both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. This curriculum should be flexible enough to adapt to the rapidly evolving demands of the industry and incorporate emerging technologies such as automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence. By establishing a standardized training infrastructure, the industry can ensure that all workers receive high-quality education and practical experience, ultimately enhancing the operational readiness of the Navy's fleet and the overall strength of the maritime maintenance and shipbuilding industry.

3. Proposed Joint Training Program 

3.1 Concept and Structure 

The proposed joint training program, based on the concept of MMSU, aims to integrate US Navy Sailors and industry tradesmen. This program will replicate the maintenance and repair capabilities of the Navy's regional maintenance centers and public shipyard shops, providing a practical, hands-on learning environment. The program will be designed to supplement or replace some of the Navy's Hull, Mechanical and Electrical (HM&E) apprentice level schools, ensuring consistency with Navy standards and industry best practices.

3.2 Standardizing Competencies and Work Qualifications 

To create a more adaptable and fluid workforce, the joint training program will develop a unified competency framework that outlines the essential skills and qualifications required for various roles within the maritime maintenance industry. This framework will be designed in collaboration with both Navy and industry experts to ensure it meets the needs of both sectors. By establishing a common set of competencies, the program will facilitate the transferability of skills between military and civilian roles, enhancing workforce adaptability.

The program will implement consistent training standards across all training facilities, ensuring that all participants receive the same high-quality education and practical experience. This consistency will be achieved through the development of a standardized curriculum that aligns with both Navy standards and industry best practices. By providing uniform training, the program will ensure that all graduates possess the same level of proficiency, regardless of their background.

To further enhance workforce fluidity, the program will establish a system for recognizing and accrediting qualifications obtained through the joint training program. This system will ensure that the skills and knowledge acquired by participants are recognized and valued by both the Navy and the industry. By providing a clear pathway for career progression, the program will encourage individuals to pursue further education and training, ultimately contributing to a more skilled and adaptable workforce.

3.3 Accreditation and Throughput 

The joint training program will be accredited by a recognized authority, ensuring its quality and relevance. This accreditation will be a collaborative effort between Navy and industry leaders, who will work together to establish standards that meet both military and civilian requirements. By involving both sectors in the accreditation process, the program will ensure that the training provided is comprehensive and aligned with the needs of the maritime maintenance industry.

Additionally, the program will seek accreditation from a university accreditation entity where appropriate, further enhancing its credibility and acceptance within the industry. This dual accreditation approach will provide assurance of the quality and relevance of the training, making it a valuable credential for trainees. It will also facilitate the transfer of credits between the joint training program and other technical schools and community colleges, providing trainees with more flexibility and options for further education and career advancement.

The initial MMSU site, proposed to be in the Norfolk, VA area, aims to graduate 1000 Sailors and 2000 civilians per year, addressing the workforce shortage by providing real maintenance and repair jobs as part of structured on-the-job training. This ambitious throughput target is designed to produce a steady stream of skilled tradesmen and women, ensuring that the maritime maintenance industry has the workforce it needs to build, maintain and repair the Navy's fleet effectively.

4. Benefits and Outcomes 

4.1 Cost Savings and Improved Collaboration 

The joint training program offers significant cost savings by sharing training costs among the Navy, industry, and other stakeholders. It also fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing between military Sailors and industry tradesmen, enhancing the overall skillset of maintenance personnel.

4.2 Increased Readiness and Enhanced Skill Development 

By providing comprehensive and standardized training, the program improves readiness and ensures maintenance personnel are proficient in their trades. The program's structure, which includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training, promotes continuous skill development.

4.3 Real-World Experience and Accreditation 

The work performed by MMSU students will be real maintenance and repair jobs, providing invaluable real-world experience. The program's accreditation enhances its credibility and provides a pathway for further education and career advancement.

5. Funding 

5.1 Funding Source

Under this model, the Navy will allocate 5% of the total value of selected shipbuilding, maintenance and repair contract to MMSU. This funding will be used to provide the winning Prime contractor and subcontractors with entry-level and apprentice-level workers, equivalent to 5% of the contract value. MMSU will cover the salaries, benefits, and insurance for these workers, reducing the financial burden on the contractors. Additionally, the Navy will reallocate a portion of the training funds currently used for existing Navy apprentice schools to MMSU. This reallocation represents a cost-saving measure, as the joint training program offers a more efficient and comprehensive training solution. By consolidating resources and leveraging the expertise of both military and civilian sectors, the Navy can achieve significant savings while enhancing the quality and effectiveness of its training programs.

5.2 Allocation of MMSU Workers

The MMSU workers will be assigned to a maintenance and repair contract in coordination with the Prime Contractor. The assignments will be based on the workers' skillsets and proficiency levels, ensuring that they are placed in roles that match their abilities and provide opportunities for learning and growth.

5.3 Incentives for Prime Contractors

Prime contractors will be incentivized to provide work opportunities for MMSU workers. At the end of the contract, they will have the option to hire the workers, who by then would have gained valuable experience and skills. This approach provides a cost-effective solution for the contractors to augment their workforce with skilled workers.

5.4 Rationale for the Funding Model

The rationale for this funding model lies in the financial challenges faced by maritime maintenance contract bidders. These contractors operate on thin margins, making it financially unviable for them to hire and train entry-level workers to become journeyman level workers who can contribute profitably to maintenance and repair contracts. By providing a pool of trained workers, MMSU helps to alleviate this challenge and contributes to the development of a skilled workforce for the industry.

5.5 MMSU as a Training Ground

In addition to serving as a source of skilled workers for the industry, MMSU also serves as a training ground for entry-level to Journeyman tradespersons for active duty and reserve Navy personnel. This dual role enhances the value proposition of MMSU, making it a crucial component of the Navy's workforce development strategy.

5.6 Funding Examples

To illustrate the potential funding that could be provided to MMSU via the 5% set-aside, let's consider a few examples. If a maintenance and repair contract is valued at $10 million, the 5% set-aside would amount to $500,000. For a larger contract valued at $100 million, the set-aside would be $5 million. This funding would be used to cover the salaries, benefits, and insurance of the MMSU workers assigned to the contract, providing a significant financial relief to the Prime contractors.

5.7 Cost Savings for Prime Contractors

The MMSU funding model offers substantial cost savings for Prime contractors. By providing a pool of trained entry-level and apprentice-level workers, MMSU eliminates the need for the contractors to invest in hiring and training these workers. This not only reduces the contractors' labor costs but also saves them the time and resources that would otherwise be spent on recruitment and training.

5.8 Value Proposition

The MMSU funding model presents a clear value proposition for Prime contractors. It not only provides them with a ready pool of trained workers but also offers significant cost savings. By offsetting the costs of hiring and training entry-level workers, the program enables the contractors to focus their resources on their core competencies and business operations. This can enhance their competitiveness and profitability, making them more attractive to potential clients and investors.

6. Implementation Strategy 

6.1 Establishment and Development 

The first step in implementing the joint training program is to establish a Joint Training Committee. This committee will be responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of the program. It should include representatives from the US Navy, the maritime maintenance industry and shipbuilding industry. The committee will be tasked with setting the program's objectives, developing the curriculum, and coordinating the training efforts of all stakeholders.

To streamline the development process, the committee will consider reusing current curriculums that are already successful in creating Navy journeymen at the regional maintenance centers. By leveraging these existing resources, the program can ensure that the training provided is consistent with Navy standards and industry best practices, while also reducing redundancy and improving efficiency.

Additionally, the committee will implement a competency management system capable of tracking the "sets and reps" of enrollees. This system will monitor the progress of participants, ensuring they acquire the necessary skills and competencies. It will also produce a competency-based resume for each enrollee, highlighting their achievements and qualifications. This approach not only enhances the training process but also provides participants with a valuable tool for career advancement, making them more attractive to potential employers in both the military and civilian sectors.

6.2 Monitoring and Evaluation 

The Joint Training Committee will develop a unified training curriculum that covers the full spectrum of skills and knowledge required in the maritime maintenance industry. This curriculum should be designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. It should also be flexible enough to adapt to the rapidly evolving demands of the industry.

To ensure the curriculum's effectiveness, the committee will incorporate mechanisms to measure MMSU's contributions to meeting shipbuilding and maintenance and repair projects on time or ahead of schedule. This will involve setting clear performance metrics and benchmarks that align with project timelines and quality standards. By tracking these metrics, the program can assess its impact on project efficiency and identify areas for improvement. This data-driven approach will not only demonstrate the value of the MMSU in enhancing operational readiness but also provide insights for continuous curriculum refinement, ensuring that the training remains relevant and effective in meeting the industry's need.

7. Future Prospects 

Looking ahead, the joint training program has the potential to not only address the immediate workforce challenges facing the maritime shipbuilding and maintenance industry but also to pave the way for future advancements. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration, the program can help the industry adapt to the rapidly evolving technological landscape and maintain its competitive edge.

7.1 Technological Advancements and Leadership

The maritime maintenance industry is on the cusp of a technological revolution, with advancements in areas such as automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence poised to transform the way maintenance and repair work is performed. The joint training program can play a crucial role in preparing the workforce for these changes. By incorporating these emerging technologies into the training curriculum, the program can ensure that workers have the skills and knowledge they need to leverage these technologies effectively. Additionally, MMSU can position itself as a leader in advancements by providing a sandbox environment for testing and evaluation of new processes, procedures, and techniques. This will allow for the safe and controlled adoption of new technologies, ensuring that the industry remains at the forefront of innovation.

7.2 Industry Collaboration

The joint training program can also foster greater collaboration between the military and the civilian sector. By working together on the training program, these two sectors can build stronger relationships, share knowledge and best practices, and collaborate on other initiatives. This can lead to more efficient and effective maintenance and repair work, benefiting both the Navy and the shipbuilding and ship maintenance industry.

7.3 Career Development and Recruitment

For the participants, the joint training program can provide a pathway to a rewarding career in the shipbuilding and maintenance industry. The program can equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the industry, while the hands-on experience can give them a competitive edge in the job market. The program can also provide opportunities for career advancement, with participants potentially moving into leadership roles within their organizations. Furthermore, MMSU can serve as a recruiting ground for the Navy, the US Coast Guard (USCG), and the Military Sealift Command, supporting their missions by attracting individuals who are interested in acquiring valuable skills and advancing their careers. By recognizing the training provided by MMSU towards a Sailor's paygrade upon entering service, these military branches can attract more individuals who are well-prepared and competent, reducing the need for additional training and accelerating their career progression.

7.4 Leadership and Project Management Training

To further enhance career development, the joint training program will include leadership and project management training for both industry and Navy participants. This component of the program will provide participants with the skills necessary to manage teams, oversee projects, and make strategic decisions. By equipping participants with these competencies, the program will not only prepare them for technical roles but also position them for leadership positions within their organizations. This focus on leadership and project management will ensure that participants have a clear progression in their career development, enabling them to take on more significant responsibilities and contribute to the success of their teams and the broader maritime shipbuilding and maintenance industry.

8. Final Thoughts 

In conclusion, the proposed joint training program represents a significant opportunity to address the workforce challenges facing the maritime maintenance industry. By leveraging the resources and expertise of both the military and the civilian sector, the program can provide comprehensive, cost-effective training, produce a steady stream of skilled tradesmen, and create a more robust and efficient training infrastructure. The inclusion of leadership and project management training further enhances career development, preparing participants for both technical and leadership roles. Additionally, MMSU's role as a leader in technological advancements and its provision of a sandbox environment for testing new processes and technologies position it at the forefront of industry innovation.

The program's collaborative approach not only fosters greater industry and military cooperation but also serves as a recruiting ground for the Navy, US Coast Guard, and Military Sealift Command, supporting their missions with well-prepared personnel. By implementing a competency management system and reusing successful Navy curriculums, the program ensures that participants are equipped with the necessary skills and competencies, while also contributing to the timely completion of shipbuilding and maintenance projects.

While implementing the program will require a coordinated effort from all stakeholders, the potential benefits make it a worthwhile investment. With the right implementation strategy, the joint training program can help ensure the operational readiness of the Navy's fleet, contribute to the overall strength and resilience of the maritime shipbuilding and maintenance industry, and pave the way for future advancements.