FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
6 September 2024
Contact: [email protected]
Tourtellotte Students Prepare for Careers in Defense
Welding Program Aligned to Needs of Electric Boat and Submarine Shipbuilding
North Grosvenor Dale, Conn. – SENEDIA, the Alliance for Defense Tech, Talent, and Innovation, joined Thompson Public Schools today for a ribbon cutting for the upgraded welding lab at Tourtellotte Memorial High School. They were joined at the event by Congressman Joe Courtney, First Selectman Amy St. Onge, and representatives from General Dynamics Electric Boat and the Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board.
“Thanks in part to federal funding from the Department of Education, Tourtellote’s expanded welding lab will provide dozens of students each year with the skills they need to immediately access good-paying jobs in the submarine industrial base after graduation. Today’s ribbon cutting also marks an exciting partnership between Thompson Public Schools, SENEDIA, and Electric Boat that will help the shipyard and supply chain companies statewide meet eyewatering hiring goals as the Navy and Congress executes the largest recapitalization of the U.S. submarine fleet,” said Congressman Joe Courtney (CT), a senior member of the House Education and Workforce Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he is the Ranking Member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee. “Kudos to Thompson Public Schools Superintendent, Melinda Smith, for creating excellent opportunities for students and meeting Connecticut’s workforce demands.”
“This program will open a world of opportunity at Tourtellotte Memorial High School, providing a resource and career pathway that students never had before,” said First Selectman Amy St. Onge.
In the past, welding was a one semester course at Tourtellotte, which had an average enrollment between six and eight students. The school had a small makeshift welding area with equipment bought from local retail vendors with little ventilation. The upgraded shop now houses six full welding booths with space to accommodate two students in each booth, and enrollment has surged to more than 50 students.
“Tourtellotte Memorial High School is setting the standard by developing their students with skillsets that match the needs of the Connecticut workforce. The welding program is a testament to what our educational institutions can help provide to Electric Boat, the submarine industrial base, and the economy of Eastern Connecticut,” said Jess Key, manager of Supplier and Workforce Development at Electric Boat.
“The entire shop expansion was a result of using five grant funding sources–Perkins, Perkins Supplemental, Alliance, American Welding Society and SENEDIA–to cover the cost of the $250,000 upgrade. We are so grateful for this support and excited to launch the expanded program,” said Dr. Melinda Smith, Thompson Public Schools Superintendent.
In the spring, SENEDIA celebrated a similar submarine shipbuilding program expansion in Cranston, Rhode Island, and continues to engage new workforce development partners as part of the New England Submarine Shipbuilding Partnership. Through the partnership, SENEDIA has facilitated the training of more than 6,200 people across the region, from young people at the start of their careers to older individuals transitioning from other sectors.
“The upgraded facilities at Tourtellotte Memorial High School mean that students today will have the skills and experience necessary to join the workforce of tomorrow,” said Tim Fox, director of operations at SENEDIA. “Defense is a $119 billion industry in New England, and we are committed to working with our partners in education, at Electric Boat, and across the industry to ensure all students have the opportunity to succeed and find a rewarding lifelong career–and sense of purpose–in this sector.”
In addition to the upgraded facilities, Tourtellotte has expanded its program to implement the full American Welding Society curriculum. In spring 2024, the school showcased the welding talents of their students at a Project MFG Maritime Welding Competition, also co-sponsored by SENEDIA and General Dynamics Electric Boat.
“This welding lab is the latest example of Tourtellotte preparing its students for in-demand, quality jobs on career pathways right out of high school. EWIB proudly supports Tourtellotte’s manufacturing and healthcare pipeline programs,” said Michael Nogelo, president and CEO of the Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board.
To learn more about SENEDIA and its workforce development programming, visit www.SENEDIA.org
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SENEDIA, the alliance for defense tech, talent, and innovation, is a catalyst for thought leadership, technical innovation, and workforce development. SENEDIA connects, convenes, and partners across the industry to support talent, innovation, and growth. For more information on SENEDIA, please visit www.SENEDIA.org.
