MARINETTE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The University of Wisconsin System is pushing new programs to keep up with local economic needs.
On Thursday, a new engineering partnership was announced at the UW-Green Bay, Marinette campus.
Like many others across the country, Fincantieri Marinette Marine is hoping to fill much needed positions.
Fincanteri’s latest federal contract means it will build 10 new Constellation-class Frigate ships.
CEO Mark Vandroff says the ships would be twice as big and need twice the amount of people power.
“That’s going to be hundreds and hundreds of trained workers, hundreds of hundreds of business professionals and engineers that we will need to deliver those ships to the Navy.”
Vandroff says Marinette Marine employs 190 engineers right now. In the next two to four years, that number could grow to 300 engineers.
“We found out that one of the biggest problems is getting qualified employees. They are growing by leaps and bounds,” said UW System President Tommy Thompson.
Thompson says that’s where University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Marinette Campus will step in.
“We’re coming in with $250,000, we’re going to start a new program called the SSI, The Shipbuilding Support Initiative that’s going to bring two professors here.”
UW is 50% over projection with the engineering program.
College of Science, Engineering and Technology Dean John Katers says the Marinette campus is a great place to start.
“There are a lot of interested students in this industry and its really an eye opener for them to see the number of opportunities that exist and the really great things that could be happening the future with this community.”
“We need shipbuilders, we need engineers, we need people who do supply chain and purchasing and contracts and program management. So a well educated white collar workforce is crucial to a shipyard’s prosperity,” said Vandroff.
Vandroff and Thompson are confident that this partnership will not only help fill the needs of the Marinette-Menominee community but also keep and build on local talent.
Fincantieri recently dedicated a new building for cutting and welding the steel plates which will become the navy ships.
Construction on the first frigate is expected to start later this year.
