Norfolk, VA – The Virginia Ship Repair Foundation (VSRF) is hosting a shipyard tour for students from Buckingham County Career & Technical Center on Monday, November 30, 2015. Students will tour Colonna’s Shipyard, Tecnico Corporation, BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair, and the USS Bataan, learning about potential careers in the ship repair industry and the vital role that local tradesmen play in maintaining the naval and commercial fleets in the Port of Norfolk.
“During these times of downsizing and reduction,” says Bill Crow, President of the Virginia Ship Repair Association, “it is vital to remain focused on the critical issues still facing our industrial base and workforce: the average ship repairer in Hampton Roads is over 55 years old, and as we see more skilled tradesmen retire, we will need plenty of dedicated, talented, and energized workers fill the voids they leave behind.”
The ship repair industry in Hampton Roads contributes over $5 billion annually in direct economic impact, over $1.5 billion in annual employee earnings and benefits, and provides over 40,000 jobs for the local economy.
For further information, please contact Barbara Washer of the Virginia Ship Repair Association at (757) 233-7034 or BWasher@VirginiaShipRepair.org.
About VSRF
The Virginia Ship Repair Foundation (VSRF) is the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of the Virginia Ship Repair Association. VSRF serves the needs of the ship repair industry through investments in trades-education and training development, and by promoting the industry and building partnerships within the Hampton Roads region. The Virginia Ship Repair Association, a leading trade association in the national ship repair industry, represents 250+ member companies in Hampton Roads and across the state, and leads the local industry to greater economic success and competitive advantage.