Galveston College and Gulf Copper strengthen partnership to prepare shipbuilding workforce

Galveston College and Gulf Copper are continuing to expand their partnership to prepare workers for the growing shipbuilding industry along the Texas Gulf Coast in preparation for the launch of its fourth Shipfitting Apprenticeship program cohort.

The partnership began in 2025 as Gulf Copper prepared to expand its shipbuilding operations and Davie Defense moved forward with its acquisition of Gulf Copper’s shipbuilding assets in Galveston and Port Arthur. The acquisition was completed in December 2025, and Davie Defense subsequently announced plans for a $1 billion modernization of the facilities to support new shipbuilding operations.

Galveston College serves as the lead education and training partner in the workforce initiative, working with Gulf Copper, regional workforce and other higher education partners to develop a pipeline of skilled workers for the shipbuilding industry. The effort extends across Galveston and Jefferson counties, and is designed to connect local residents with training and employment opportunities created by the expansion of shipbuilding operations.

The six-semester Shipfitting Apprenticeship program combines classroom instruction at Galveston College with paid, hands-on training at Gulf Copper. Apprentices receive training in shipfitting and related fabrication skills while gaining real-world workplace experience at the shipyard. Tuition for participating apprentices is currently covered through grant funding, and apprentices are paid while completing the program.

The program was developed in response to the workforce needs associated with the return of shipbuilding to the Texas Gulf Coast. 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. “Our partnership with Gulf Copper demonstrates what can happen when education and industry work together to identify workforce needs and build training programs around those needs. As we prepare for our next cohort and other partnership opportunities, we are continuing that work and strengthening a workforce pipeline that will serve our students, our community and the maritime industry for years to come.”

The apprenticeship program, registered to Galveston College by the U.S. Department of Labor, provides Gulf Copper with an opportunity to develop skilled workers as the company expands its shipbuilding capabilities in Galveston and Port Arthur.

“Building ships requires a skilled workforce, and that workforce has to be developed,” said Gulf Copper Vice President of Human Resources, Clint Knight. “The partnership with Galveston College provides a practical way to connect people in the region with the training and experience needed to build careers in the maritime industry. The continued growth of the apprenticeship program is an important part of preparing for the work ahead and supporting the communities where Gulf Copper has operated for more than 75 years.”

Gulf Copper has operated along the Gulf Coast for more than 75 years, with a history in ship repair, fabrication and marine services. Following Davie Defense’s acquisition of the company’s shipbuilding assets, Gulf Copper is expanding its role in new ship construction while continuing its ship repair and fabrication operations.

The company’s modernization project is expected to support construction of Arctic Security Cutters for the U.S. Coast Guard and represents a significant expansion of shipbuilding activity in Galveston and Port Arthur.

The Galveston College apprenticeship partnership is part of the college’s broader commitment to developing workforce programs in response to the needs of local and regional employers. By connecting classroom instruction with paid, hands-on training, the Shipfitting Apprenticeship program provides participants with an opportunity to earn while they learn and develop skills for careers in an expanding maritime industry.