Capt. Ed Bartlett Jr., Founder/CEO of Bartlett Maritime Corporation and U.S. Navy veteran, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the need to rebuild America’s industrial capacity, the importance of skilled labor and Bartlett Maritime Corporation's workforce partnership with the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers to meet national security demands.
Bartlett began by emphasizing the need to restore the U.S. shipbuilding industry's industrial capacity, which has diminished since the end of the Cold War. He explained that the closure of key naval shipyards and the offshoring of manufacturing have significantly reduced the nation's ability to build and maintain ships. Bartlett highlighted the urgency of expanding industrial capacity to meet the growing demand for new ships and submarines.
Next, the discussion focused on the importance of skilled labor in the shipbuilding industry. Bartlett pointed out that the current workforce is insufficient to meet the demands of increased ship production and maintenance. He stressed the need for an all-hands-on-deck approach to sourcing skilled trades labor. Bartlett emphasized the role unions can play in providing qualified and experienced workers to fill the gap.
Bartlett shared insights into innovative workforce solutions, such as partnering with unions to enhance labor availability. He discussed why Bartlett Maritime is collaborating with the Boilermakers to employ skilled workers in shipyards, highlighting the potential of such partnerships to address labor shortages and improve shipbuilding efficiency.
Listen to the full episode to hear more about Bartlett's thoughts on revitalizing the U.S. shipbuilding industry and workforce.