# Navy Funds Alabama Shipbuilding Training

The Navy is supporting maritime workforce development as it seeks to expand and modernize its fleet amid shipbuilder labor shortages. In March 2026, $30 million was allocated to expand maritime training at four south Alabama community colleges, and a separate $3 million Navy grant is supporting construction of Bishop State Community College’s Gulf Coast Maritime Institute. At the same time, Hanwha Philly Shipyard is preparing to fulfill nearly $3 billion in U.S. government shipbuilding contracts. The investments create opportunities for shipbuilders and other contractors to work with colleges on training capacity, equipment, and curricula for welding, ship fitting, pipe fitting, marine electrical work, robotics, and data analytics.

- Shipbuilders and suppliers can engage with Alabama community colleges on workforce programs aligned to the listed trades and technical skills; Bishop State’s institute is a specific training-capacity investment.
- The nearly $3 billion in shipbuilding contracts at Hanwha Philly Shipyard points to substantial demand for maritime labor and related supplier capabilities.
- Procurement and industry teams can use the Navy-funded training activity to identify potential education and workforce-development partners supporting fleet expansion and modernization.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Education
**Topics:** Grants & Funding, Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** November 08, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Navy (Navy)
- Alabama Community College System (ACCS)
- Bishop State Community College
- Maine Community College System (MCCS)
- Delaware County Community College (DCCC)

### Vendors
- Hanwha Philly Shipyard Inc. (shipbuilding contractor)
- Austal USA (shipbuilder consulted on workforce needs)
- Bath Iron Works ()
- General Dynamics Electric Boat ()

### Key Quotes
> We talk with Austal about their needs at least weekly.
> — Akareem Spears, Dean of Workforce Development, Bishop State Community College

> We’ve demonstrated to the Navy that the cost of training is actually lower when we provide a stipend, because attrition is lower.
> — David Daigler, President, Maine Community College System

> We’re not just trying to keep up with the demand for new vessels; we’re also modernizing the shipbuilding workforce.
> — Marta Yera Cronin, President, Delaware County Community College

### Sources
- [Helping shipbuilders weather a perfect storm](https://www.ccdaily.com/2026/11/helping-shipbuilders-weather-a-perfect-storm) - Community College Daily