Connecticut students compete in Maritime Welding Competition

More than 100 Connecticut and Rhode Island students got an up-close look at careers in manufacturing and defense at the recent Maritime Welding Competition and Career Exploration Event in Groton, Conn., sponsored by Project MFG, General Dynamics Electric Boat, and SENEDIA–The Alliance for Defense Tech, Talent, and Innovation.

With 24 students competing from six area schools, Lucas Ubrowicz from Ella T. Grasso Technical High School took home top honors in the welding competition portion, during which the students were timed and judged on their ability to weld a miniature submarine. Spencer Johnson from Howell Cheney Technical High School and Parker Slaugenhaup from Chariho Tech came in second and third place, respectively.

In addition to the competition, the event—hosted at Ella T. Grasso Technical High School—featured Project MFG Connect, a networking and informational fair showcasing the potential employment opportunities from regional suppliers in the submarine shipbuilding and defense manufacturing industry.

General Dynamics Electric Boat, a sponsor of the event, helped to connect students to the defense manufacturing industry through their inflatable submarine classroom and an advanced manufacturing trailer through their partnership with EastConn. The company also extended offers to six students in attendance.

Project MFG hosts events like this throughout the U.S., although this is the first year one has been held in Connecticut.

“In the backyard of Electric Boat’s Groton operation and in a region where defense constitutes a $119 billion industry, it made perfect sense for Project MFG to come to Connecticut and engage with the students here,” said Ray Dick, founder of Project MFG.

“The young people attending and competing in today’s event represent the next generation of submarine shipbuilding, welding, machining, logistics, and more,” he continued, “and we’re proud to help seed their interest, develop their skills, and build their confidence as they pursue a pathway to rewarding careers in the industry.”