Austal USA, which has a major shipbuilding presence in Mobile, will soon be adding to its Alabama workforce.

The Australian-owned defense contractor will be adding 68 new positions, including fabrication, electrical, pipe and fitters, according to a report from AL.com.

Austal has a four-year apprenticeship program that trains workers in these fields, making them ready to hire upon graduation.

The Alabama Department of Commerce said Austal is the fourth-largest manufacturing employer in the state, situated on a 130-acre campus along the Mobile River.

Different organizations and institutions have partnered with Austal, including the Alabama Industrial Development Training program, Bishop State Community College and Mobile County Public Schools. These partnerships are geared toward ensuring payroll evolves to match the skills demanded by the sector.

Current pre-employment training programs through AIDT include structural welders, structural ship fitters and marine pipe fitters. If hired upon completion of the free six-week program or 12-week night program, pay starts at $13.96 to $21.51.

Austal is also hiring B-class pipe welders through AIDT, with starting pay ranging from $19.67 to $20.74.

The defense industry continues to boom in Alabama, with Colorado-based Boecore Inc. landing a $496 million defense contract. Various components of the project will be conducted at the firm's Huntsville facility.

Full Article: http://www.bizjournals.com/birmingham/morning_call/2015/06/austal-adding-68-positions-in-mobile.html?ana=twt