TL;DR intro
- A job fair in Suffolk, Virginia is aiming to connect job seekers with openings in the maritime sector.
- High demand persists for skilled workers, especially as experienced employees retire.
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This competition is heightened by the reality that many older workers are exiting the workforce without enough new talent to replace them. “If you don’t do it, who will do it? Then, when you need it done, who’s there to do it?” Rollins pointed out, emphasizing the urgency of bridging the skills gap.
The job fair is part of a broader effort to raise awareness about career opportunities in the maritime sector. Another job fair is already scheduled for August 29 at the Suffolk Workforce Development Center, where job seekers can explore options and engage with military officials, shipyard managers, and training organizations. This event will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and more information can be found on the Military Sealift Command’s website.
The maritime field offers a range of roles, from skilled trades like painting and welding to positions requiring specialized training in navigation and engineering. Importantly, many of these roles provide excellent pay and benefits, alongside the rewarding nature of contributing to national defense and trade.
As the demand for professionals in this industry continues to grow, so too does the necessity for programs and initiatives that engage younger generations and attract them to maritime careers. Local educational institutions and apprenticeship programs are stepping up efforts to provide training and resources for potential candidates.
The ongoing conversations about workforce shortages extend beyond the shipyards. Economic health and national security are increasingly intertwined with the success of the maritime industry. As suppliers and military operations face potential setbacks due to labor shortages, the urgency for skilled labor will only become more pronounced.
SUFFOLK, Va. — A recent job fair held at the Suffolk Workforce Development Center is showcasing the urgent need for skilled workers in the maritime industry. Recruiters highlighted significant job openings in local shipyards, emphasizing that many positions offer competitive salaries and the chance to contribute to vital national interests.
Steven Rollins, a job seeker at the fair, noted that the workload at several shipyards has decreased, making employment opportunities scarce. However, employers present at the job fair made it clear: there is a significant demand for skilled workers. Noa Moore, a recruiter from Mills Marine Ship Repair, stated, “I could use at least 50 more fire watches in Newport News and about 20 more brush and roll painters down in Norfolk.”
The maritime industry, which is responsible for transporting approximately 80% of the world's goods, is experiencing strains as many seasoned workers approach retirement. According to Statista, as global trade continues to expand, the need for skilled mariners and shipyard staff is anticipated to increase significantly in the coming years.
Retired Vice Admiral Herm Shelanski remarked that the lack of skilled workers poses challenges to organizations such as the Military Sealift Command, which employs around 5,500 civilian mariners to transport supplies to U.S. Navy vessels worldwide. “Those skills work across the civilian sector and these people are hiring and they’re paying a lot of money for skilled mariners,” said Shelanski, adding that the competition for talent is fierce.