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SHIPBUILDING CAREERS “We are building an army that will get America back on track as the world’s advanced manufacturing superpow- er,” promises Luis y Prado. “We’re teaching a new way of manufacturing; our graduates can do what used to take three to four skilled tradesmen. The Secretary of the

Navy calls us the ‘Seal team of manufacturing.” – Hernán Luis y Prado,

Founder/President, Workshop For Warriors

Meanwhile, Luis y Prado, who served 15 years in the U.S. promises Luis y Prado. “We’re teaching a new way of manu-

Navy, was shopping at a mall when he ran into a friend from facturing; our graduates can do what used to take three to four his recent tour in Iraq. He was shocked to ? nd the man had skilled tradesmen. The Secretary of the Navy calls us the ‘Seal lost both legs, and the thought that all of his friend’s aspira- team of manufacturing.’ ” tions might not come to pass due to his injuries so greatly af- WFW is today a state-licensed, board-governed, 501 (c) fected him, that he says he literally fell to the ground and told (3) nonpro? t school, laser-focused on providing veterans, his wife Rachel on the spot that they need to sell everything wounded warriors and transitioning military personnel with and get to work on helping veterans like his friend. She was in. accelerated training in advanced manufacturing skills and the

Seeing a perfect ? t between two problems where each opportunity to earn up to 62 industry-recognized, portable, seemed to be the answer to the other, Luis y Prado hit upon the stackable credentials required for careers in welding, machin- idea of “rebuilding American manufacturing one veteran at a ing and fabrication - at no cost to the students. The school time,” through what became Workshops for Warriors (WFW), targets 18- to 24-year-olds. a program that funnels veterans desperate for a sustainable The program offers two training tracks – welding/fabrica- career path into an industry desperate for skilled workers. tion, accredited by the American Welding Association, and advanced machining, accredited by the National Institute for “From Frontline to Production Line” Metalworking Skills (NIMS). Unlike traditional apprentice “We are building an army that will get America back on programs, where participants might weld a few hours a day track as the world’s advanced manufacturing superpower,” over the course of a year-long program, WFW students spent

Mission: To provide veterans with a lifelong career by providing free training, certi? cation and placement in advanced manufacturing jobs.

W ORKSHOPS

Organization: Begun in 2008, Formally launched in 2011 in San Diego.

Annual Budget: $2.4 million.

FOR

Future Plans: Expand to 103 facilities located nationwide near areas of concentration of

W : ARRIORS military treatment facilities, advanced manufacturing and veterans. 70 sites mapped out.

Student Demographics: 87% U.S Navy and Marine Corps veterans at a Glance

By The Numbers: Wait list of 550, 55 students per 16-week semester, 288 graduates

Turnover: Over 1,000 credentials earned, 100% employment.

Costs: Free classes cost $12,000 per student.

Courses: Machining, Welding, Fabrication, CAD; 62 possible NIMS certi? cations.

Funding: 501 (c) (3) nonpro? t. Corporate and private donations and grants

Federal Dollars: Not eligible for government monies until 2018.

Funding Spent on Training: 87%

Capital Funding Campaign: To raise $15 million to build a state-of-the-art, 45,000-square ft. advanced manufacturing training facility in San Diego.

Top Employers: SpaceX, U.S. Navy, UTC Aerospace Systems, Reliance Steel & Aluminum,

Paci? c Coast Iron and CUBIC.

For Pro? t Arm: WFW Industries, to be renamed Vet Powered, provides advanced manufacturing services – all pro? ts go to the school.

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