PASCAGOULA, Miss., Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HII’s (NYSE: HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division together with representatives from the U.S. Navy, Speed up Mississippi and Mississippi Gulf Coast Group Faculty (MGCCC), celebrated the opening of a digital actuality (VR) welding lab on the shipyard Wednesday. The brand new facility makes it simpler and safer for welders to hone their expertise, and improve HII’s skill to develop the variety of proficient shipbuilders with this important skillset.
“As we develop the shipbuilders who construct our nation’s ships, our coaching applications are a key a part of that effort,” Ingalls Shipbuilding Vice President of Operations Donny Dorsey mentioned. “By working with the Navy and our regional workforce companions, we will present people in Mississippi with a extra complete method to mastering a talented commerce in shipbuilding.”
This new facility integrates VR know-how into the shipyard’s present welder certification curriculum, offering new and present Ingalls shipbuilders with an immersive, hands-on expertise to develop crucial shipbuilding expertise.
The institution of the VR welding lab is a part of Ingalls Shipbuilding’s broader workforce growth efforts, made potential by way of federal and state partnerships which can be bringing cutting-edge coaching know-how to the shipbuilding trade.
“Progressive coaching applications like this are key to constructing a extremely expert workforce that meets the evolving wants of industries throughout Mississippi,” mentioned Courtney Taylor, government director of AccelerateMS. “By embracing digital actuality know-how, Ingalls will not be solely equipping future shipbuilders with crucial expertise, but in addition setting a brand new benchmark for a way industries can leverage know-how, native coaching suppliers, and state sources to coach staff. This partnership highlights the significance of collaboration in strengthening our workforce and serving to set the usual for technical coaching within the area.”
MGCCC has additionally performed an important function within the growth of the lab, guaranteeing alignment with trade wants.
“We’re proud to companion with Ingalls to offer this new coaching to their shipbuilders,” mentioned Dr. Mary Graham, president of Mississippi Gulf Coast Group Faculty. “These important partnerships permit us to supply progressive coaching options that put together our college students for real-world careers. We’re proud to work with Ingalls to convey this know-how to our group.”
In August 2023, the U.S. Navy awarded Ingalls a multi-year contract for the development of six Flight III Arleigh Burke-class (DDG 51) destroyers and one choice ship, plus choices for added destroyers. This award included funds to help workforce growth initiatives, reminiscent of digital studying labs, offering Ingalls shipbuilders with the chance to construct and ship Navy destroyers for many years to return.
To be taught extra about careers or coaching alternatives at HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division, go to https://hii.com/careers/.
