Alabama, September 9, 2025

News Summary

The University of Alabama has partnered with the U.S. Navy to introduce the ‘Build Giants Alabama’ initiative aimed at boosting workforce development in Alabama. This collaboration seeks to prepare residents for high-demand careers within the maritime industry and enhance the national shipbuilding base. Key programs will include job fairs, mentorship, and educational outreach, including STEM initiatives. The program’s branding will be prominently featured at athletic events, connecting education to workforce needs.

University of Alabama Partners with U.S. Navy to Launch ‘Build Giants Alabama’ Workforce Development Initiative

The University of Alabama (UA) has formed a significant partnership with the U.S. Navy’s Maritime Industrial Base (MIB) program to launch a new workforce development initiative called Build Giants Alabama. This collaboration aims to enhance workforce development opportunities across Alabama and fortify the nation’s shipbuilding industrial base.

The initiative is expected to create pathways for Alabama residents to prepare for high-demand careers while simultaneously contributing to national defense efforts. UA President Peter Mohler expressed that this initiative will connect students and communities to valuable career opportunities, which is instrumental for both Alabama’s economy and the nation’s security.

The Build Giants Alabama logo will gain prominent visibility as it will be featured on Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium during all home football games this upcoming fall season. In support of this initiative, various in-venue messaging will include promotions by former Alabama head football coach Nick Saban.

Alabama athletics director Greg Byrne emphasized the critical role this partnership plays in nurturing workforce development for current and future generations. The initiative is designed to align educational outreach with opportunities in Alabama’s maritime industry.

According to the U.S. Navy, there is an urgent need for 25,000 new trades workers annually to meet demands for constructing submarines, surface ships, and unmanned vessels. This partnership not only addresses an immediate workforce need but also complements existing Alabama workforce initiatives such as the Alabama Community College Maritime Training Program, which aims to train over 1,400 workers in skills like ship fitting, pipe fitting, and welding.

Matthew Sermon, the MIB Program Manager, emphasized the increasing requirement for skilled workers in sustaining the Navy’s operations. He noted UA’s ability to attract and train future shipbuilders and innovators through this partnership.

The Build Giants Alabama initiative will feature a range of career engagement programs, including job fairs, student ambassador efforts, and mentorship sessions with Navy leaders and industry experts. Educational components will also include the development of new curricula with UA faculty, joint projects between trades and engineering students, and outreach programs aimed at K-12 students focusing on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education.

Excitement surrounding the integration of the Build Giants Alabama branding into Alabama Athletics events has been shared by Crimson Tide Sports Marketing’s Jim Carabin, who emphasized how this will promote valuable career pathways and raise awareness about workforce needs in the maritime industry.

Details of the Collaboration

• Partnership Entities: University of Alabama and U.S. Navy.
• Launch of Initiative: Build Giants Alabama.
• Main Goals: Expand workforce opportunities and strengthen shipbuilding base.
• Visibility: Branding on Bryant-Denny Stadium during home games.
• Employment Needs: 25,000 new trades workers required by the Navy annually.

Background Context

The collaboration falls in line with America’s broader efforts to ensure that the workforce is adequately prepared for the demands of the maritime industry. Alabama’s existing training programs have been instrumental in preparing a relevant workforce and aim to continue addressing the skills gap in the industry through initiatives like the Alabama Community College Maritime Training Program.

Conclusion

The Build Giants Alabama initiative is poised to play a vital role in connecting education, workforce development, and national defense, setting a precedent for similar programs across the country.

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Additional Resources

• University of Alabama and U.S. Navy Partner to Build Maritime Workforce
• Wikipedia: University of Alabama
• Navy Defeats UAB 38-24
• Google Search: U.S. Navy partnerships
• Alabama Partners with U.S. Navy for On-Field Sponsorship
• Google Scholar: Workforce Development in Maritime Industry
• Navy Defeats UAB Football – Photos
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Maritime Workforce Development

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