SANFORD, Maine — A newly formed coalition of Maine colleges, defense industries, the U.S. Navy, and other state agencies announced a plan Friday to boost the defense industry's workforce.
The Maine Defense Industry Alliance was formed to help support training initiatives with a goal of building a sustainable workforce development program by adding at least 1,200 skilled jobs each year over the next five years.
Members of Maine's Congressional Delegation, U.S. Navy officials, and other state leaders shared details about the Alliance at York County Community College in Sanford.
Thomas Bailey was one of the Mainers in attendance. After his military service, Bailey said he was living in California before returning home two years ago. After arriving back in Maine, Bailey said he struggled to find housing and a job, which left him unhoused.
He then connected with Veterans Inc., a nonprofit with a location in Lewiston that helps veterans with job placement and rehousing programs.
“They assisted me with finding work, assisted me with finding food supplies, just general help with my life," he said.
From there, he took a risk and joined a trades course at Southern Maine Community College. Bailey said he worked in the IT department during his military service but didn't think he had the skills or background for this new trade.
“This program really lays out the bridge in order to come from a place of non-experience to come into a position that you wouldn’t see yourself in," he said. “After just less than a year, I’m living in my own apartment, I have a car, I have a full-time job. It’s a life changing program.”
Bailey now works for Bath Iron Works in the electrical design department and helps design new ships by using 3D technology.
Bath Iron Works, Pratt & Whitney, and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard are Maine's largest defense contractors and anticipate needing to fill more than 7,500 positions over the next five years, according to an Alliance release.
To attract new and younger workers, Bath Iron Works recently launched an innovative technology trainer equipped with virtual reality tools to show Maine students more about welding and other trades used at the shipyard.
As part of the MDIA's announcement Friday, plans were unveiled to build a new 10,000 square foot welding lab at York County Community College. As part of that development, the community college would also expand its manufacturing and trade programs.
The expansion is funded by $3.5 million in Submarine Industrial Base funding for the MDIA, $1.5 million in YCCC funds, and $1.5 million in federal funds secured by Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Sen. Angus King, I-Maine.
King spoke during the event along with U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, and Gov. Janet Mills, both Democrats. Collins was unable to attend the announcement. Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine, was also not present.
A small group of Mainers calling for a ceasefire in Gaza protested outside the college Friday. They accused the defense companies and Maine's Congressional Delegates of contributing to the violence in Gaza by suppling Israel with weapons.
King and Mills said at the podium that a strong defense industry in Maine and around the country helps keep peace around the world and deters adversaries from attacks.