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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 19 D E C E M B E R 1 6 , 2 0 2 4 F O C U S M A N U FA C T U R I N G scenarios, and promote teamwork, engaged learning and problem-solv- ing for skills required to work safely in the shipyard and manufacturing environment. e BIW Training Trailer pro- gram started in June 2023. A custom- built 53-foot trailer can be configured for various purposes and brought to external locations to support hiring, training and other BIW programs. With power, wi-fi and heat and air conditioning, job candidates and new hires can complete hiring applications as well as learn and practice trades- based skills classes using advanced technology including virtual reality. BIW's training team can bring both hands-on and virtual training to all parts of Maine as well as across New England and beyond as a standalone center of learning. e trailer has visited high schools, fairs, festivals, community colleges, career and technical education events — even the balloon festival in Lewiston. "We'll configure it to promote what BIW does and show the oppor- tunities people have to work for us," says Stevens. So far, the program has connected with over 4,000 people across Maine. New this year is an eight-week training program that launched with 15 students at Wiscasset High School. It's early yet to assess outcomes, but things are looking good. "So far we've been seeing great results," says Stevens. "e kids are excited to see us." BIW is looking to roll out a feeder program with community and techni- cal education programs next year. e company recently hosted a roundtable with CTE and community college leaders, BIW, Texas-based nonprofit BlueForge Alliance and other outfits to discuss creating a curriculum at CTE schools specifically geared to jobs with Maine's defense contractors. Follow-up meetings are expected. "We're trying to offer a lot of path- ways to the shipyard," says Stevens. Child care, housing ere are other obstacles to recruitment. For one, affordable housing would be welcome, says Garrett Brown. Brown started in the apprentice program in 2019 and is now a deck- plate planner. He commuted 25 miles from Gardiner for four years before finding a place a few minutes away in Bath. But his living situation is uncer- tain. He and a friend are splitting the rent for a short-term apartment. e average person feels priced out, the 26-year-old says. "e concern is, every time the lease comes up, my friend says, What's our plan?" Brown says. "We have it until end of February right now." BIW's ability to hire will depend on workers being able to get access to child care, transportation and afford- able housing and education, according to a recent economic analysis. Collaborations Earlier this year, BIW said initia- tives to be supported by U.S. Navy funding of more than $34 million will include funding 85 new housing units for BIW workers closer to the shipyard, providing 150 additional year-round child care slots for BIW workers and providing free bus ser- vices for BIW employees in the Bath and Brunswick areas. ere's been progress on the child- care front. BIW and the Bath Area Family YMCA announced a partner- ship to expand access to childcare for midcoast families. at will include 150 spaces to the children of BIW employees across two YMCA centers in Bath and Brunswick. To accommodate the expansion in the organization's childcare pro- gram, the YMCA bought a prop- erty in Brunswick to renovate into a 10-classroom childhood education center. Enrollment is expected to begin in January for a target opening of September 2025. Business Property and Liability Insurance Products Cyber and Data Breach Liability Insurance Employment Practices Liability Insurance, EPLI & Equipment and Mechanical Breakdown INSURING MAINE BUSINESS — INSURING MAINE PEOPLE We've been in business more than 145 years, and continue to innovate by providing you a portfolio that offers the kind of protection your business needs — today. Visit Patrons.com to find an independent agent near you. INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR TODAY'S BUSINESS CHALLENGES. Building Spaces that Foster Innovation LEARN MORE Rendering Credit: SMRT Architects & Engineers / Grimshaw Architects C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » This school year, we were able to get 66 apprentices. We're recruiting for next year for another 100 through every pot we can. — Tom Stevens Bath Iron Works

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