Episode 110: Rebuilding Shipbuilding – Remote Work, Training & the Future of U.S. Yards with TotalTek Jason Lloyd

Episode 110: Rebuilding Shipbuilding – Remote Work, Training & the Future of U.S. Yards

Guest: Jason Lloyd, Senior Executive at TotalTek

Episode Overview:
Jason Lloyd brings over three decades of leadership experience, forged in the U.S. Navy’s nuclear power program, to the conversation on reviving America’s shipbuilding capabilities. In this episode, he explores how TotalTek is pioneering remote workforce models in ship design and engineering, tackling the shipyard talent gap, and creating pathways for the next generation of maritime professionals. From welding lessons of WWII to the promise of the SHIPS Act, this is a forward-looking take on a critical national issue.

Key Points:

1. A Historical Wake-Up Call:
   The U.S. went from building 5,000 ships in WWII to just 12 per year today—Jason breaks down the policy decisions that led to this decline and what must change.
2. Remote Work in Ship Design:
   TotalTek has embraced a distributed engineering model, proving that with the right values, remote work can unlock a new, untapped labor pool across the country.
3. Training the Next Generation:
   TotalTech’s partnership with Gulf Coast Community College helps new designers gain practical experience, breaking the “3 years of experience for an entry-level job” paradox.
4. Bridging the Industrial Gap:
   Rebuilding capacity isn't just about welders—America is also facing a critical shortage of ship designers and engineers. Remote work and targeted training are part of the solution.
5. The SHIPS Act – Hope on the Horizon:
   With bipartisan support and a focus on both infrastructure and workforce development, this proposed legislation could reshape U.S. maritime capabilities.
6. New Collar Work, New Thinking:
   Additive manufacturing, cold spray, and other advanced techniques may be key to scaling up shipbuilding—if the U.S. embraces risk and innovation.
7. From Skeptic to Believer:
   Jason candidly shares how he once doubted remote work—until he realized that getting the best people in the right roles matters more than where they sit.

Learn More:
Check out Episode 94: Maritime Digitalization Year in Review with Evan Efstathiou for a broader look at how innovation intersects with workforce trends in shipping.

Tune in Now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more! Watch the episode on YouTube.

Music by: Peg and The Rejected 'King of SKA'
Art Work By: GA Design
Produced by: Chris Aversano

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