VIDEO: ESG and Gulf County in workforce development partnership

Screen grab from YouTube video

Showcasing a strategic workforce development initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of skilled maritime professionals. Panama City, Fla.-based Eastern Shipbuilding Group, in collaboration with Florida’s Gulf County and regional partners, recently hosted Florida’s Secretary of Commerce, Alex Kelly and a delegation of economic development leaders for a special presentation on the Gulf County / Eastern Shipbuilding Group Maritime Academy,

During their visit to the Eastern Shipbuilding Group’s Port St. Joe shipyard, officials were introduced to the academy’s mission and impact, including first hand testimonials from four academy-trained team members whose careers illustrate the program’s success:

• Dejaerious Smith, crane operator 2/C
• Roy Carson, general labor foreman
• Zadarrien Becton, general labor (electrical in training) and future electrician 3/C,
• Jennifer Daughtry, electrician 2/c

“The Gulf County / Eastern Shipbuilding Maritime Academy is more than a training program — it’s a pipeline to meaningful careers that benefit our community, our state and our nation’s maritime industrial base,” said Joey D’Isernia, CEO, Eastern Shipbuilding Group Inc. “We are proud to partner with Gulf County and educational leaders to support workforce development that keeps the maritime economy strong and competitive.”

The academy’s workforce development curriculum combines classroom instruction, hands-on shipyard experience, and direct mentorship from seasoned industry professionals, preparing students for high-demand roles in ship construction, repair and maritime operations.