Connecticut high school graduates accept jobs at Electric Boat as hiring expands

More than 300 Connecticut high school graduates accepted job offers from Electric Boat during the company’s annual Signing Day, joining a workforce that is helping build the U.S. Navy’s next generation of nuclear submarines.

The hiring effort comes as Electric Boat continues its major expansion across southeastern Connecticut and works toward adding 8,000 new employees. The company is seeking workers for skilled trades positions, including welding and metal fitting.

Students who participated in the event said the opportunity provides a direct path into the workforce immediately after graduation.

“It’s a big opportunity, and I’m glad I took it, but I have a lot to learn,” said Troy Asao of Hebron.

“I’m excited. Fresh out of high school, you have a job,” said Lina Adan-Perez of Norwich.

Sean Marrone, Electric Boat’s manager of workforce development, said the company offers graduates a chance to begin careers without immediately taking on college debt.

“They’re coming in to work with their hands. They’re not going to have debt going to college right away. They’re going to be coming in and making a really good living,” Marrone said.

Adan-Perez said having a job lined up after graduation eases some of the uncertainty many students face.

“It’s cool to get that weight off your shoulders and not have to do all the college work and the scholarships and stuff,” Adan-Perez said.

The hiring of recent graduates is part of Electric Boat’s broader effort to expand its workforce to meet demand for new submarines. The company recently acquired the Crystal Mall property, which it plans to use to support training and other needs associated with thousands of new workers.

“It’s going to give us additional capacity to train up our employees faster,” Marrone said.

Electric Boat is working to keep pace with the Navy’s expanding submarine fleet. According to the Connecticut Business & Industry Association, the company could generate more than $80 billion in economic impact for the state by 2034.

Marrone said the company’s growth could provide long-term career opportunities for the graduates joining its workforce.

“This is going to be continued growth in careers for these students for the next 20 to 30 years,” Marrone said.

For Adan-Perez, the potential for advancement was one of the factors that drew her to the company.

“There’s a lot of room for career advancement, so hopefully, we’ll see where I end up in that end,” Adan-Perez said.

Electric Boat held the signing event in New London.

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