Galveston College, Gulf Copper expand shipfitting apprenticeship partnership
Photo courtesy of Galveston College
Galveston College and Gulf Copper are expanding a workforce partnership designed to prepare workers for the growing shipbuilding industry along the Texas Gulf Coast as the college prepares to launch the fourth cohort of its Shipfitting Apprenticeship program.
The partnership began in 2025 as Gulf Copper prepared to expand its shipbuilding operations and Davie Defense advanced its acquisition of Gulf Copper’s shipbuilding assets in Galveston and Port Arthur. The acquisition was completed in December 2025, followed by Davie Defense’s announcement of a $1 billion modernization plan for the facilities.
Galveston College serves as the lead education and training partner, working with Gulf Copper, regional workforce organizations and other higher education partners to build a pipeline of skilled workers. The initiative covers Galveston and Jefferson counties and is intended to connect local residents with training and employment opportunities created by the expansion.
The six-semester Shipfitting Apprenticeship program combines classroom instruction at Galveston College with paid, hands-on training at Gulf Copper. Apprentices study shipfitting and related fabrication skills while gaining workplace experience at the shipyard. Tuition is currently covered through grant funding, and participants are paid while completing the program.
The apprenticeship program is registered to Galveston College by the U.S. Department of Labor. Davie Defense’s Gulf Copper Shipyards modernization is expected to create approximately 2,400 direct jobs, with additional employment supported through the regional supply chain and related economic activity.
“Galveston College’s role is to help ensure that our students have access to the education and training needed to participate in the opportunities being created in our community,” said Dr. Tracee L. Watts, Galveston College president.
Gulf Copper Vice President of Human Resources Clint Knight said the partnership connects people in the region with the training and experience needed to build maritime careers.
The modernization project is expected to support construction of Arctic Security Cutters for the U.S. Coast Guard while expanding shipbuilding activity in Galveston and Port Arthur.