U.S. Labor Bureau to Partner with Allies for Shipbuilding Training

The U.S. Labor Bureau announced plans to collaborate with nations like South Korea and Japan to equip American workers with shipbuilding skills. This effort comes as part of a broader initiative by President Donald Trump to rejuvenate the shipbuilding industry.

Currently, China leads the world in shipbuilding, outpacing the U.S. significantly. However, the Labor Department unveiled an $8 million international fellowship program aimed at closing this gap by working alongside international partners.

This four-year initiative will link U.S. educational institutions—including training centers and community colleges—with foreign training facilities and shipyards. The goal is to enhance shipbuilding capabilities for workers not only in the U.S. but also in Canada, Finland, Italy, Japan, and South Korea.

The fellowship, managed by the International Labour Bureau, focuses on training a variety of roles such as boiler makers, industrial electricians, welders, and shipbuilders.

Moreover, part of the funding will be allocated to creating a recognized trade curriculum that fosters advanced training within the U.S. This approach aims to utilize knowledge from allies to broaden the skill set of American workers in the shipbuilding sector.

Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-Deremer commented, “By working closely with our allies, the Department of Labor’s mission will advance the creation of an effective shipbuilding apprenticeship program in the United States. President Trump is working to restore America’s maritime dominance and enhance national security.”

The U.S. is lagging behind key competitors like China, which is responsible for over 50% of global shipbuilding, while South Korea contributes nearly 29% and Japan 13%. In comparison, the U.S. accounts for a mere 0.1% of the market.

In response to this challenge, Trump signed an executive order in April aimed at revitalizing the nation’s shipbuilding industry. This order called for a thorough evaluation of the government’s financial support mechanisms, including the Defense Production Act, to bolster shipbuilders.

The order also instructed the agency to formulate a maritime action plan and tasked U.S. trade representatives with outlining recommendations to combat China’s “anti-competitive practices” in shipbuilding.

The fellowship program is a direct result of Trump’s executive order, according to the Labor Bureau. Organizations interested in funding opportunities—including commercial, educational, or non-profit entities—are encouraged to apply by the September 26th deadline.