The U.S. Department of Labor announced Thursday up to $8 million in funding to send American workers and trainees abroad to learn advanced shipbuilding techniques from leading global shipbuilding nations.
Part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to strengthen America’s shipbuilding workforce, the initiative will establish partnerships between U.S. technical education centers and community colleges and their counterparts in allied nations — particularly South Korea and Japan, the world’s second- and third-largest shipbuilders after China.
The funding supports President Trump’s Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance executive order, aimed at reinvigorating the U.S. shipbuilding sector. By fostering international collaboration, the program seeks to bring critical shipbuilding expertise back to the U.S., helping to revitalize the domestic maritime industry.
“Working closely with our allies will advance the Department of Labor’s mission to create effective shipbuilding apprenticeship programs right here in the United States,” said Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer. “We are committed to helping President Trump restore maritime dominance by preparing American workers for success, which will lead to more mortgage-paying jobs and enhance national security.”
Administered by the Department’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs, the program will support hands-on training opportunities for American workers alongside international partners. It will prioritize workforce development in key maritime trades, including boilermaking, industrial electrical work, steel fabrication, steamfitting, shipwright work, and welding.
Another major goal of the initiative is to develop a globally recognized shipbuilding trade curriculum for use in U.S. training programs.
Grants are open to commercial, international, educational, or non-profit organizations, including any faith-based organizations, community-based organizations, or public international organizations. Applications are due by Sept. 26.
