US to partner with South Korea, Japan to boost shipbuilding workforce
Federal Government Partners with Allies to Train U.S. Shipbuilders
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FIRST ON FOX: The U.S. Labor Department is teaming up with allies such as South Korea and Japan to provide training for American workers in shipbuilding, as part of President Donald Trump’s efforts to boost the industry.
Despite China’s dominance in the shipbuilding sector, the Labor Department has announced an $8 million funding opportunity for an international fellowship program. This program aims to bridge the gap by partnering U.S. institutions with foreign counterparts to enhance the skills of American workers.
The proposed four-year project will involve collaboration between U.S. training centers, apprenticeship programs, educational institutions, and shipyards in countries like Canada, Finland, Italy, Japan, and South Korea. The goal is to equip U.S. workers with advanced shipbuilding skills.
Focus on Key Trades
Construction continues on large-sized liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers at the Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering facility in Geoje Island, South Korea, in 2018.
The fellowship, led by the Labor Department’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs, will focus on training boilermakers, electricians, steelworkers, steamfitters, shipwrights, and welders. The funding will also support the development of a specialized trade curriculum to enhance training in the U.S.
“By collaborating with our allies, the Department of Labor is working to create effective shipbuilding apprenticeship programs in the United States,” said Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer. “President Trump’s initiatives aim to strengthen our maritime industry and national security.”
U.S. Lagging Behind Competitors
Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer emphasizes the importance of creating shipbuilding apprenticeship programs in the U.S. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
China, South Korea, and Japan dominate the global shipbuilding market, while the U.S. lags behind. To address this gap, Trump has pledged to revive both commercial and military shipbuilding. An executive order signed in April aims to revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding sector.
The order calls for assessments on how the government can support the industry financially, along with the development of a maritime action plan and measures to counter China’s actions in shipbuilding.
The fellowship program is a direct result of Trump’s executive order, with applications open to commercial, educational, and nonprofit organizations. The deadline for submissions is September 26.
