- The U.S. Labor Department is launching an $8 million international fellowship program to train American workers in advanced shipbuilding skills, in partnership with allies including South Korea and Japan.
- The initiative, tied to President Trump’s executive order on maritime revitalization, will connect U.S. institutions with foreign training centers and shipyards.
- The program aims to counter China’s shipbuilding dominance, where the U.S. currently accounts for just 0.1% of global output compared to China’s 50% share.
The U.S. Labor Department, under its Bureau of International Labor Affairs, is set to announce funding for a four-year fellowship program designed to strengthen the nation’s shipbuilding workforce. The $8 million project will pair American training centers, apprenticeship programs, and educational institutions—including community colleges—with foreign counterparts in countries such as Canada, Finland, Italy, Japan, and South Korea.
The initiative prioritizes trades critical to shipbuilding, including boilermakers, welders, shipwrights, industrial electricians, steelworkers, and steamfitters. A specialized, internationally recognized curriculum will also be developed to advance domestic training standards.
Strategic Partnerships with Allies
By leveraging expertise from allies with strong shipbuilding sectors, the U.S. aims to rebuild its maritime capabilities. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer emphasized that collaboration with partners will help create effective apprenticeship programs in the U.S., strengthening both competitiveness and national security.
South Korea, Japan, and China remain global leaders in shipbuilding, together accounting for more than 90% of production. According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, China leads with over 50%, followed by South Korea at nearly 29% and Japan at 13%. In stark contrast, the U.S. contributes just 0.1% to the global market.
National Security and Policy Drivers
The erosion of U.S. and allied shipbuilding capacity has been flagged as a strategic vulnerability, impacting military readiness and economic opportunities while expanding China’s global influence. In response, President Trump has made shipbuilding revival a policy priority.
In March, he told lawmakers he would “resurrect” both commercial and military shipbuilding. The following month, he signed an executive order mandating a comprehensive maritime action plan. The order called for exploring financial support through the Defense Production Act, a Maritime Security Trust Fund, and investment partnerships with allied shipbuilders. The order also directed the U.S. Trade Representative to recommend measures to counter China’s anticompetitive practices in shipbuilding.
Funding Eligibility
The fellowship program stems directly from Trump’s executive order. Funding opportunities are open to a wide range of applicants, including commercial, international, educational, and nonprofit organizations, as well as community-based and faith-based groups.
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Source: Fox News
