Macomb College, Navy Partner to Fast-Track Maritime Manufacturing Training

Macomb College, Navy Partner to Fast-Track Maritime Manufacturing Training

By Naval Sea Systems Command Office of Corporate Communications

WARREN, Mich. -- In a significant step forward for maritime manufacturing in Michigan, the U.S. Navy and Macomb Community College launched the Michigan Maritime Manufacturing (M3) Initiative's Accelerated Training Industry Partnership today at the college's Michigan Technical Education Center (M-TEC). This event, which marks a step in the larger M3 Initiative first announced in July, will begin training the next generation of maritime manufacturing workers to support the Navy's strategic needs

The partnership is critical in addressing the nation's Maritime Industrial Base (MIB) workforce needs through accelerated training programs in maritime welding and CNC machining. The first 16-week cohort, beginning classes on November 12, includes 24 students split evenly between welding and CNC machining programs, including two veterans among the inaugural class.

These programs are designed to meet the urgent demand for skilled labor in the MIB, a critical component of national security. The program is open to anyone interested in starting a career in maritime manufacturing. To launch a career in the maritime skilled trades, interested students can apply at Macomb's website.

"This partnership exemplifies our commitment to rebuilding America's maritime manufacturing workforce," said Rear Adm. Pete Small, Naval Sea Systems Command deputy commander for naval systems engineering, during today's event. "By leveraging Michigan's manufacturing expertise and Macomb's proven training capabilities, we're creating a direct pipeline of talent tailored for the demands of our Navy and nation."

The event showcased the college's new maritime skilled trades training facilities and initiated an intentional connection between defense industry partners and Macomb in order to establish a long-term talent pipeline of well-trained graduates for those employers.

"Macomb is uniquely positioned to support the Navy's mission, known for preparing area residents for jobs that sustain metro Detroit's legacy of a technical workforce powerhouse in state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing training facilities," said Patrick Rouse, director of Workforce & Continuing Education for Engineering and Advanced Technology at Macomb Community College. "We've designed these accelerated programs to meet specific industry demands while maintaining the high standards required for defense manufacturing. This partnership accelerates the development of a skilled workforce that is essential for both local industry growth and national defense."

The partnership builds on momentum from the broader M3 Initiative, announced in July by Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro. The initiative represents an investment exceeding $50 million in Michigan's maritime manufacturing future and aims to meet the Navy's demand for thousands of new workers across Michigan and the Great Lakes region.

"This program represents a transformative opportunity for our students and our region's manufacturing sector," said James O. Sawyer IV, President of Macomb Community College, addressing the gathered industry representatives. "By partnering with the Navy and local industry, we're creating accelerated pathways to rewarding careers while supporting critical national security needs."

The 600-hour accelerated training programs, fully funded for students, will run Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., emphasizing hands-on learning. Graduates will earn certificates and be prepared for industry-recognized certifications from organizations, including the American Welding Society and the National Institute for Metalworking Skills.

The program specifically targets Michigan's robust manufacturing supply chain, which includes more than 400 businesses supporting naval nuclear programs, with 175 located in the Greater Detroit area.

Small emphasized the immediate impact this program will have on the submarine industrial base. "The graduates from this program will be exactly what our suppliers need - skilled professionals ready to contribute from day one," he said. "This accelerated training model allows us to maintain the highest standards while meeting our urgent workforce needs. When these students complete their training in March, they'll be ready to support any of our MIB suppliers."

During today's event, industry partners toured the training facilities and learned about opportunities to connect with and hire program graduates, supporting both workforce development and the nation's maritime industrial base.