The 2026 Maritime Workforce Forum: Forging Maritime Capacity brings together leaders from industry, education, workforce development, ports, and government for a focused discussion on welding as a foundational driver of maritime industrial capacity in Washington State. Welding underpins shipbuilding and repair, vessel maintenance, fabrication, marine infrastructure, and port development. As national attention turns toward rebuilding the U.S. maritime industrial base, via the Maritime Action Plan, the availability of skilled welders has emerged as one of the most significant constraints on shipyard capacity and industry competitiveness.

Across Washington and the United States, demand for welding professionals is accelerating. Fleet recapitalization, infrastructure investment, and expanding commercial and defense maritime needs are placing new pressure on the workforce pipeline. Industry leaders report increasing challenges related to workforce supply, facility capacity, instructor shortages, and aging infrastructure.

The forum will bring together shipyard leaders, maritime manufacturers, and technical experts to discuss what it will take to expand shipbuilding and repair capacity to meet growing commercial and defense demand. As vessel construction, fleet recapitalization, and infrastructure investment accelerate, shipyards across the region are confronting a common set of challenges: a shortage of skilled trades, production bottlenecks, facility constraints, and increasing pressure to scale operations.

Attendees: Maritime industry leaders, shipyards, port districts, welding faculty, workforce and economic development partners, education leaders, policymakers, and system leaders.

Educator Audience: Welding teachers, CTE Directors.