Maine’s defense industry seeking to grow young workforce [Video]

BATH, Maine — As industries across Maine struggle to fill positions left open by retirements, the state’s defense sector is aggressively pursuing a younger workforce.

At Bath Iron Works, the hiring of young talent to replace exiting employees has already begun. According to an independent report released by the company last week, 53% of the shipbuilder’s workforce in 2023 had five or fewer years of experience at the company—a steep increase from 17% in 2010.

“We have to keep a full court press to make sure our industrial base has the workers it needs to be ready for the future,” Ray Steen, vice president of human resources at BIW, said Wednesday. “Our workforce has turned.”

By its own estimates, Bath Iron Works …