MOBILE, Ala., February 12, 2026 –Bishop State Community College is building a unique partnership with the U.S. Navy that ties directly to national security. The initiative, led by the college’s Workforce and Economic Development department, will prepare students for careers in submarine production, a growing industry that is critical to both the nation’s defense and the Gulf Coast economy.
The partnership began after a regional stakeholder meeting in June 2024 that brought together leaders from K-12 schools, community colleges, and local businesses and industries. During that meeting, Navy officials outlined what they called the “naval imperative.” Simply put, China has more submarines than the United States, and America must increase production capacity to keep pace.
“By 2028, the Navy must deliver one Columbia-class submarine and two Virginia-class submarines each year,” said Akareem Spears, Dean of Workforce and Economic Development at Bishop State. “These are national security priorities, and we’re fortunate to be part of the solution.”
Building Skills for High-Demand Jobs
Through this program, Bishop State students will gain hands-on training in skills directly tied to submarine production, including ship fitting, pipe fitting, non-destructive testing, metrology, machine tool technology, and even 3D metal printing.
“We’re investing in new technology, such as welding robots and 3D metal printers, while also expanding programs we already have in place,” Spears explained. “This isn’t training for training’s sake. Our goal is to prepare students for high-wage, high-demand jobs.”
The curriculum will follow the Navy’s Maritime Industrial Base standards, which differ from Bishop State’s existing welding and maritime training programs. This ensures students are trained specifically for the rigorous requirements of submarine construction.
Impact on Students and the Region
With Austal USA, one of Mobile’s largest employers, already deeply engaged in shipbuilding, the program positions Bishop State as a vital partner in meeting workforce needs.
“This partnership shows Bishop State is a workforce training leader in our region,” Spears said. “We were the first to respond to the Navy’s proposal, and that demonstrates our ability to be flexible and deliver what industry partners need.”
Plans are underway to renovate facilities at the Carver instructional site, converting an existing building into a Maritime Institute. Spears envisions the program expanding to serve not only Mobile but also Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida.
Looking Ahead
For Spears, the excitement lies in building something new that has both local and national impact. “It’s challenging and complex, but that’s what makes it worthwhile,” he said. “Success for us looks like an 80 percent completion-to-employment rate and eventually growing into a new facility that can serve the entire region.”
