Developing a Maritime Manufacturing Workforce | Workforce Development | advancedmanufacturing.org

Rear Admiral Peter D. Small, chief engineer and deputy commander of Naval Systems, and some students in the initial welding and CNC cohorts at a launch event for industry several days before training started on Nov. 12, 2024.

Macomb Community College, Warren, Mich., has transformed a portion of its facility dedicated to engineering and advanced technology workforce development into a maritime skilled trades center. By early 2027, it is expected that the college will have trained nearly 400 residents in either maritime CNC or welding to address the urgent need for skilled labor in the submarine industrial base.

The training is part of the Michigan Maritime Manufacturing (M3) initiative announced in July 2024, at the college’s South Campus, by Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro. It includes an investment of $15.4 million in Macomb to ramp up the college’s capabilities to meet the immediate need for skilled welders and CNC machinists, build a deep talent pool for business and industry, and support area residents in participating in the training.

“Michiganders, today—like during World War II—we need your skills, your dedication and your pioneering spirit to continue our legacy as the world’s greatest naval power,” Del Toro said during the M3 announcement.

Macomb’s maritime skilled trades center continues the legacy of leveraging the region’s manufacturing might to support the nation’s defense. The training program is located in Macomb’s Michigan Technical Education Center (M-TEC), which is built on a portion of the land that housed the Detroit Arsenal Tank Plant. As the first manufacturing facility built in the United States for mass production of tanks, the plant produced one-quarter of the tanks manufactured in the U.S. during World War II.

The 40,000-sq-ft (3,716-sq-m) facility features a large high-bay area and provides hands-on training in a setting that replicates today’s manufacturing environments, including state-of-the art equipment.

The college’s initial challenge was to create a solid foundation for the fast-track training programs—and get them up and running in four months. A substantial amount of new equipment needed to be sourced. This included 24 welding booths along with MIG, TIG and arc welders, as well as 24 CNC machines: 12 mills and 12 lathes.

In addition to revisiting how the full-size advanced manufacturing cells and equipment were positioned within the facility, infrastructure updates had to be made to support using the new machinery, including increased ventilation, electrical, air supply and fluid power lines.

“This partnership exemplifies our commitment to rebuilding America’s maritime manufacturing workforce,” said Rear Adm. Peter Small, deputy commander for Ship Design, Engineering and Logistics for Naval Sea Systems Command, at an event local defense industry partners held several days before training was launched. “By leveraging Michigan’s manufacturing expertise and Macomb’s proven training capabilities, we’re creating a direct pipeline of talent tailored for the demands of our Navy and nation.”

Along with close collaboration with the Navy, Macomb involved regional employers early in the process of defining curriculum and training methods. Through advisory roundtables and targeted focus groups, industry partners helped validate that coursework, technical competencies and professional skill-building activities align with actual on-the-job requirements.

Both programs emphasize experiential learning, where students spend the majority of their time in lab environments working with industry-grade equipment. This practical focus is complemented by rigorous instruction in safety protocols, quality assurance and problem-solving techniques, which are critical for success in high-stakes industries.

The programs encompass 600 hours over 17 weeks, providing a balanced pace that allows for both deep learning and rapid skills acquisition. A dedicated complement of 16 instructors, with eight full-time faculty and eight teaching aides, ensures personalized attention and direct mentorship from experienced instructors.

Macomb installed 24 welding booths, along with MIG, TIG and arc welders, to support its M3 Accelerated Maritime Welding program.

Macomb’s Maritime Accelerated CNC Machinist program is engineered to prepare students for careers in advanced machining, focusing on both operational efficiency and programming mastery. It goes beyond theory, emphasizing the practical application of skills in simulated industrial environments.

Students engage in projects that mirror real-world scenarios, such as fabricating precision parts for naval vessels or producing components for aerospace systems. Flexible scheduling options (day or evening) are available to participants—from young adults entering the workforce to seasoned professionals seeking career advancement.

Students earn credentials through the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) and Haas Automation Inc. The nationally recognized certifications and training areas include:

NIMS CNC Certifications

Haas Automation Certifications

Macomb’s Maritime Accelerated Welding program immerses students in critical welding techniques required for high-stakes applications, with extensive training in four core welding processes, earning American Welding Society (AWS) credentials. These processes ensure graduates are prepared for diverse challenges, whether fabricating marine vessels or repairing critical defense infrastructure.

Shielded-metal arc welding (SMAW), which is commonly known as stick welding, forms the backbone of many structural applications and is indispensable for projects involving heavy-duty materials, such as ship hulls and industrial-grade equipment. Certification requires demonstrated proficiency in creating strong, defect-free welds with coated electrodes.

Flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) is particularly effective for outdoor or high-production applications, making it a go-to technique in maritime and aerospace manufacturing. Earning certification requires expertise using flux-cored wire to produce durable welds under stringent quality standards.

Gas-metal arc welding (GMAW/MIG welding) is celebrated for its speed and adaptability, and is frequently applied in the fabrication of lightweight materials and components used in defense and aviation systems. Certification ensures that students can execute welds efficiently while maintaining structural integrity.

Gas-tungsten arc welding (GTAW/TIG welding) demands a high level of precision, making it ideal for projects requiring immaculate welds on specialized materials such as aluminum and stainless steel. Certification requires students demonstrate the ability to deliver exacting results, critical for defense-grade manufacturing.

Welding certifications are tested in the 2G position (horizontal groove), an essential baseline skill that ensures graduates are prepared for practical, real-world scenarios. Training in additional positions, such as vertical (3G) or overhead (4G), is available on request and can expand a student’s qualifications for more complex projects.

Graduates of Macomb’s maritime accelerated welding and CNC machinist programs are equipped with the certifications and practical experience needed to excel in manufacturing. Employers in the region, including major defense contractors and shipbuilders, recognize the value of these credentials, often prioritizing graduates of programs aligned with industry standards.

Students in Macomb’s maritime accelerated welding and CNC machinist programs are evaluated based on three critical components to ensure they are workplace-ready as soon as they’re hired.

First, knowledge of theoretical concepts is assessed through a series of quizzes and tests. Second, competency is measured by hands-on demonstrations of skills learned and evaluated by instructors to verify mastery of industry standards. Finally, attendance is strictly monitored, reinforcing the importance of reliability in a professional environment.

Together, these elements ensure that graduates possess the technical expertise, practical skills and professional discipline required to excel in their roles.

“The graduates from this program will be exactly what our suppliers need—skilled professionals ready to contribute from Day One,” Rear Adm. Small said. “This accelerated training model allows us to maintain the highest standards while meeting our urgent workforce needs. When these students complete their training, they’ll be ready to support any of our MIB suppliers.”

To showcase what students have learned and produced, the college also hosts a dedicated day for employers to review student work, including capstone projects, simulations, portfolios and other program outputs. This event allows companies to see the practical skills and problem-solving abilities students have gained, while enabling them to identify top talent well before the traditional hiring process begins.

As students near program completion, companies are encouraged to participate in interview days, providing the opportunity to engage directly with graduates who are trained and certified to meet the demands of modern manufacturing. These events allow employers to identify top talent ready to contribute immediately to their workforce.

Macomb’s M3 training programs are designed to support the regional economy by addressing critical skills gaps. Through developing a pipeline of highly skilled workers, the initiative will not only bolster the national defense infrastructure, but will help support and grow local business and industry, contributing to the economic vitality of Southeast Michigan.

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