JA Maritime Sparks Opportunity with Birdon Group
Author: Junior Achievement of Southwest New Englamd
Corporate Responsibility
Published:
Wednesday, 30 Jul 2025
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On May 30, Birdon welcomed over 80 high school students from across Connecticut to its Portland site for an immersive tour of its shipbuilding and defense operations. This visit was a part of Junior Achievement of Southwest New England's new JA Maritime program, designed to spark interest and open pathways toward maritime and submarine manufacturing careers that are vital to our region’s future.
During the visit, one particular student’s ambition stood out.. Jayliana, a student from Vinal Technical High School in Middletown, eagerly raised her hand and asked, 'How can I get more involved?' She demonstrated a clear enthusiasm and genuine passion for the work she observed during the visit. Her initiative and ambition led to a life-changing opportunity: soon after, Jayliana officially signed her pre-apprenticeship agreement with Birdon Group!
This accomplishment is a direct result of Birdon’s commitment to workforce development and JA Maritime’s mission to open doors, inspire students, and connect them to meaningful career paths. Jayliana begins her pre-apprenticeship this summer, gaining hands-on experience in the maritime industry that will bolster her future career journey.
We are grateful for Birdon Group’s partnership through this event and for helping make these inspirational moments possible. Together, JASWNE, Birdon, and our community partners are uniting industry, education, and families to empower students to take charge of their futures.
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