Public-Private Partnership Drives EB Workforce Initiative

Three Connecticut organizations are working together to strengthen the state’s submarine workforce pipeline. 

The Connecticut Technical Education and Career System, ReadyCT, and General Dynamics Electric Boat launched the Submarine Workforce Career Bridge program at Norwich Technical High School and Ella T. Grasso Technical High School this year.  

Through the program students participate in career readiness programming, workforce development activities, and employment preparation tied to opportunities with Electric Boat and its suppliers. 

Nearly 50 students from Norwich Technical High School and Ella T. Grasso Technical High School have already secured employment with Electric Boat prior to graduation. 

The effort is part of a broader regional initiative to strengthen pipelines as Electric Boat scales hiring to meet submarine production and long-term workforce demands. 

Regional Initiative

The initiative also extends to five comprehensive high schools in the New London and New Haven regions.

“Through the Submarine Workforce Career Bridge initiative, we are doing much more than filling jobs,” ReadyCT executive director Shannon Marimón said.

“We are opening doors for students—many from our state’s most underserved communities—to enter high-wage, high-skill careers without the burden of student debt.” 

“Programs like the Submarine Workforce Career Bridge are essential to building Electric Boat’s future workforce.”

EB’s Courtney Murphy

Program design focuses on aligning education and industry needs. 

Students, particularly those in manufacturing and construction trades, build skills through hands-on training and direct exposure to career pathways. 

“Programs like the Submarine Workforce Career Bridge are essential to building Electric Boat’s future workforce, because they help students develop the skills, confidence, and readiness needed to step into high‑demand shipbuilding careers,” Electric Boat director of talent management Courtney Murphy said.

“By partnering with CTECS and ReadyCT, we’re creating compelling pathways into these critical trades and ensuring the next generation of shipbuilders is prepared to succeed from day one.” 

Embedded Support

The partnership includes embedded support within schools through ReadyCT.  

ReadyCT’s career launch specialists work with students throughout the school year to collaborate with educators and guide seniors through career exploration and hiring preparation. 

Key program components include career readiness workshops, mock interviews, individualized advising, skill-building opportunities with workforce and higher education partners, and transition support services designed to help students succeed as they enter the workforce. 

“Our students benefit tremendously when industry partners are actively engaged.”

CTECS’ Alice Pritchard

“Our students benefit tremendously when industry partners are actively engaged in supporting their transition from school to the workforce,” said CTECS executive director Dr. Alice Pritchard.

“Students are already developing strong technical skills in their trade programs, and the collaboration with ReadyCT and Electric Boat helps build on that foundation through career readiness training, mentorship, and employment preparation connected to real opportunities in industry.” 

By linking classroom learning to real-world employment, the initiative will accelerate the pipeline of skilled workers into Connecticut’s submarine industrial base while providing students with direct, debt-free pathways into high-demand careers.