ORONO, Maine — A new partnership with Portsmouth Naval Shipyard will expand hands-on workforce training and defense-related research opportunities for University of Maine students.

The Educational Partnership Agreement, signed July 29, will connect UMaine students and faculty with the shipyard for engineering and other STEM projects, with a focus on innovative maintenance technologies.

Under the agreement, students will be able to earn academic credit while working on real-world defense laboratory projects that draw on the shipyard’s specialized facilities, equipment and technical expertise. The work is designed to align closely with students’ academic programs and career pathways.

UMaine, the state’s only R1 learner-centered research institution, will also expand opportunities for faculty to collaborate with shipyard personnel on research, strengthening its national leadership in defense-related innovation.

“This partnership is another example of how UMaine is connecting our students and faculty with high-impact research learning opportunities that strengthen their career preparation, Maine’s workforce and economy and the nation’s security,” said Giovanna Guidoboni, UMaine’s interim vice president for research and dean of the Maine College of Engineering and Computing.

The partnership is expected to help build a workforce pipeline in areas tied to national security and advanced manufacturing, where demand for skilled workers continues to grow. 

UMaine is a national leader in defense research and workforce development. Through its Industry 4.0 Manufacturing Training Innovation Centers, UMaine prepares talent for partners such as Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, while its Advanced Manufacturing Center advances defense and aerospace innovation. 

UMaine’s Advanced Structures and Composites Center has helped develop a modular ballistic protection system, lightweight military ground vehicles and 3D-printed vessels for the U.S. Department of Defense.

The university also trains future military leaders through Maine’s only Army ROTC Black Bear Battalion and its Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps, and strengthens the state’s defense workforce pipeline as a founding member of the Maine Defense Industry Alliance.

As America’s leader for attack submarine maintenance, repair and modernization, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard delivers the decisive edge required to master an era of evolving threats. It stands at the forefront of America's commitment to peace through strength, delivering combat-ready submarines that are lethal, resilient and prepared to win. The work performed at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is a direct contribution to national security, ensuring the U.S. Navy remains the most dominant maritime force anywhere in the world.

“Portsmouth Naval Shipyard’s ability to support the nation has always depended on the talent, innovation and dedication of its workforce,” said Cmdr. Adam Mills, acting shipyard commander. “This Educational Partnership Agreement with the University of Maine strengthens our connection to the next generation of engineers, scientists and skilled professionals who will help shape the future of our mission. By working together, we create opportunities for students, faculty and shipyard employees to share knowledge, advance research and develop the workforce needed to support the Navy’s mission for years to come.”