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May 2012www.marinelink.com 13Lean Institute at Old Dominion University organized the 5th annual Shipbuilding, Repair and Maritime Ca- reer Day (SBRCD) Event at Ted Convocation Center, Old Dominion University earlier this year, attracting more than 850 students and 90 teachers. The event was funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under the Advanced Technical Education (ATE) program, and was sponsored by local shipyards and maritime organi- zations like Newport News Shipbuilding, Colonna?s Shipyard Inc., BAE Systems, Norfolk Naval Shipyard, McAllister Towing, Virginia Port Authority and Navy Sup Ship.The day-long event comprised of three main compo- nents, Hands-on Activities, Industry Expo and Shipyard Tour. In addition to these, students got an overview of the development and production of an Aircraft Carrier at the Rapid Prototyping Center, a 3D overview of a virtual ship at the Rapidly Operational Virtual Reality (ROVR) Center. Dr. Alok Verma, Director, Lean Institute Old Dominion University, said, ?The main goal of this event is to create awareness about the career oppor- tunities in the shipbuilding industry specifically in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) areas.? Hands-on Activities: The hands-on activities included the various processes used in shipbuilding, maritime, ship repair and safety like drilling, pipe fitting, rigging, fabrication, welding etc. Shipyard Tours: The shipyard tours by Colonna?s Ship- yard Inc. and BAE Systems gave some practical knowl- edge regarding the various aspects of shipyard and terminal operations to the students and teachers. Key note speakers from diverse sectors of the ship- building and maritime industry, namely, Captain Ed Na- nartowich from Mid Atlantic Maritime Association, Viki Rodriguez from Colonna?s Shipyard Inc. Jennifer Ryan from Newport News Shipbuilding, Ronald Burkhart Jr. from Virginia Ship Repair Association and Maresa Driver from Norfolk Naval Shipyard. For information on future events, Email: [email protected]. Shipbuilding, Repair and Maritime Career Day BAE System'sShipyard Tour. MR May 12 # 2 (9-16):MR Template 5/8/2012 11:32 AM Page 13