America needs more warships, and people to build them. From aircraft carriers and submarines to destroyers and next-generation unmanned vessels, HII's shipyards are taking on major work for the U.S. Navy. At the same time, the company needs to build a skilled workforce capable of getting those ships out the door. On this episode of Mission Critical, host Ryan Robertson goes inside the workforce behind America's shipbuilding industry to explore how HII is recruiting, training, and retaining the people who make it all possible. You'll hear from HII CEO Chris Kastner about improving shipbuilding productivity and rebuilding the workforce pipeline, Ingalls Shipbuilding's Susan Jacobs about the surprising range of careers available in a shipyard, and Newport News Shipbuilding's Russell Dawson about how an apprenticeship program helped launch a 20-year career. In this episode: Why America's shipbuilding workforce is critical to national defense How HII is working to improve shipbuilding productivity The career opportunities available beyond welding and fitting How apprenticeship programs can provide a path into skilled trades without four-year college debt Why HII is investing in high schools, community colleges and workforce development How today's shipbuilders will build the Navy's ships of tomorrow Shipbuilding isn't just about steel, welding, and massive warships. It's about the people with the skills to build them — and the next generation learning how. Watch, like, subscribe, and join the conversation.
