The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, chaired by Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Riverside County, held a field hearing titled “Industrial Base and Workforce Development for Skilled Trades” at the College of the Canyons Performing Arts Center on Friday, focusing on the connection between national defense and the shortage of skilled-trade workers.
The event, which was divided in two panel sections, featured Eric Chewning, executive vice president of maritime systems and corporate strategy for Huntington Ingalls Industries, and Michael Reed, president of the Pennsylvania College of Technology. During the second panel discussion, Michael Cadenazzi, assistant secretary of war, industrial base policy, also testified.
The discussion, which was attended by local leaders and community members, touched on topics linking the defense industry and academia, and issues critical to the nation’s military, economy, and the future of warfare including strengthening the nation’s defense industrial base and developing the next generation of skilled workforce needed.
Conversations also touched on the importance of having educational institutions, such as COC, that can lead to promising careers while simultaneously strengthening the nation’s industrial base.
“Many students are looking at multiple offers well before graduation, most of our graduates, whether it’s in a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree,” said Reed in response to Calvert’s request on information about job security after students have pursued skilled trades. A typical starting salary is $65,000 with a lot of room for growth, he said.
Technical skills are important, but others, like problem solving, quick adaptability, and creating a team environment are also essential, he added. But even with promising futures, those present acknowledged that there is a lack of interest from up-and-coming workers to pursue such careers.
One thing mentioned to change the perception is by having the industry, academia and government work together to allow people to learn about trades and how it may lead to a promising future.
Some approaches mentioned were making the jobs appealing and providing competitive pay, providing job opportunities where the workers are, and investing in training and community colleges for outreach efforts.
COC’s Advanced Technology Center prides itself in providing opportunities for students in advanced manufacturing, robotics, and welding pathways, an accelerated course that could immediately turn into employment.
