Building the Workforce Behind America’s Fleet: Orion Talent’s MIB Supplier Recruiting Program is Strengthening the Naval Submarine & Shipbuilding Workforce

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Building the Workforce Behind America’s Fleet: Orion Talent’s MIB Supplier Recruiting Program is Strengthening the Naval Submarine & Shipbuilding Workforce

Skilled trades hiring is one of the toughest challenges facing today’s manufacturing and defense sectors. Across the Maritime Industrial Base (MIB), companies that support submarine and shipbuilding programs struggle to fill critical roles fast enough to meet production demands.

To solve this challenge, Orion Talent, in partnership with BlueForge Alliance and funded by the U.S. Navy, launched the Maritime Industrial Base Supplier Recruiting Program, which is a fully subsidized workforce solution that helps suppliers hire skilled talent and military veterans without the cost of traditional recruiting.

Filling Critical Skilled Trades Jobs for Submarine and Shipbuilding Suppliers

The program focuses on the high-demand roles that are most essential to Navy readiness and production timelines, including:

CNC and Advanced Machinists
Welders, Fabricators, and Pipefitters
Marine, Power Generation, and NDT Technicians
Quality Control Specialists

Orion’s recruiting team manages the full process, including sourcing, outreach, screening, and interview coordination so that suppliers can keep their focus on production.

Connecting Employers with Mission-Ready Veteran Talent

A key advantage of this program is its ability to connect employers with transitioning military service members who bring unmatched technical training and discipline. Each year, more than 200,000 veterans enter the civilian workforce, many with skills that align directly to shipbuilding jobs and advanced manufacturing.

“This partnership allows us to connect mission-critical businesses with mission-ready talent,” said Tim Sweeney, Vice President at Orion Talent. “It’s a win for the submarine and shipbuilding industries, as well as for veterans seeking meaningful careers that continue to serve our nation’s mission.”

Real Results for Maritime Industrial Base Suppliers

Suppliers across the country including Strohwig Industries, Butler Weldments, The Entwistle Company, Finkl Steel, Keel, and ADDMAN are already seeing the benefits of this subsidized recruiting program.

“The caliber of candidates we receive through this program is outstanding. We’re filling roles faster than expected, with highly skilled talent, and the support has been seamless,” said Carly Klink, Human Resources at Strohwig Industries.

The combination of subsidized recruiting support and access to mission-ready talent is a game changer, helping companies meet urgent workforce needs while giving veterans and skilled technicians a clear path to meaningful careers.