b'MEMBER NEWSMEMBER NEWS Marine Group Boat Works Welding Program funded by MARAD Small Shipyard GrantM arine Group Boat Works (MGBW),than traditional schooling. Im seeing firsthandThecollegepathtobecomingalawyeror a family-owned boat repair and con- how this program has sharpened our weldersa doctor is not for everyone. You can make a struction facility and PVA member,skillsets while instilling greater confidence inliving wage and excellent medical benefits with recently announced that 30 of its boatbuilderstheir boatbuilding and repair capabilities. themaritimeindustrystraightoutofhigh graduatedfromMGBWsin-houseWeldingschool, said Swanson. You just need to be Certification Program. The Welding ProgramInSanDiego,thereisademandfortradewilling to show up on time, work hard, and waslaunchedin2021withsupportfromaschools with less than a handful of programshave a positive attitude.SmallShipyardsGrantawardedbytheU.S.offering welding-specific programs. Local com-Department of Transportation Maritime Ad- munity colleges and trade schools have createdFurthermore, the maritime industry is made ministration(MARAD).Intotal,$859,250a pathway for a younger generation to famil- upofcompanieslikeMGBWthatprovide was spent to develop the curriculum, secureiarize themselves with blue collar work. Thesehealth benefits and compensation packages. aninstructor,equiptheweldingclassroom,programsincluding MGBWsprovide the and sustain the vital program with a cost shareopportunity for a new work force to come inThe welding program offered several certifi-of 67 percent covered by the grant and theand learn a high-paying, skilled trade at a youngcations, all of which were in accordance with remaining expenses covered by MGBW.age. On average, the starting salary for weldersAmericanBureauofShipping(ABS)and in San Diego is $44,000, which according toNaval Sea Systems (NAVSEA) welding certi-WeldingDepartmentSupervisorKennythe Center for Excellence for Labor Marketfication standards for TIG and MIG welding Swanson took pride in overseeing the program.Research, is just above the $38,000 living wageof 5XXX, 6XXX groups of aluminum, and On-the-job training can be more beneficialfor San Diego.steel FCAW.More than 30 employees enrolled in the weld-ing program were able to certify or re-certify for welder certifications. In addition, 22 employees that held entry-level positions, including weld-er helpers and fire-watchers, have now been promoted to certified welders.There has been a shortage of qualified, skilled weldersinthemaritimeindustryforyears now.Theonlysolutionwastakingmatters into our own hands, and thankfully, we have aMaritimeAdministrationthatsupports small businesses that provides subsidies for ap-prenticeship training programs like this, said ToddRoberts,presidentofMGBW.This welding training program has allowed us to empower from within and equip our existing team with skills and certifications that they can take anywhere. With the same grant, MGBW was also able to purchase new electric air compressors which allows the production employees to operate a variety of equipment such as handheld tools as grinders, sanders, wrenches, needle scalers, andshears.Theaircompressorsprovidean increased volume of compressed air using less electricity and eliminate the need to rent ad-ditional diesel-powered compressors, thereby allowing the yard to get closer to achieving its zero-emissions goals.FOGHORN 36'