HII Highlights Workforce Development and Supplier Readiness at Delta Fest 2026
News fromCourierPR · 2 min read
JACKSON, Miss., Sept. 10, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- HII, America’s largest shipbuilder, highlighted the importance of workforce development and industrial capacity at Delta Fest 2026, a regional forum focusing on the reshaping of the Deep South’s industrial landscape. The event brought together leaders from business, government, and education to discuss the essential elements needed to support long-term growth in the region.
Edmond E. Hughes, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at HII, participated in a panel discussion alongside Robert Ridgway, senior vice president at Yates Construction. The discussion centered on how companies can invest in workforce development, supplier capability, and community readiness to meet the increasing demand for shipbuilding and construction.
According to Hughes, workforce development begins long before an individual applies for a job. The goal is not merely to develop a larger pipeline of skilled workers but also to build a more prepared pipeline through close collaboration with education, training, and community partners. These initiatives aim to create sustained capacity and early career awareness, technical skills, and clear pathways for regional talent.
HII has a long-standing track record of workforce programs, such as the Ingalls Shipbuilding Apprentice School, established in 1952, which has trained over 4,000 graduates. Additionally, the Ingalls Shipbuilder Academy, a high school work-based learning program, has seen 49 recent graduates receive full-time job offers. These initiatives play a crucial role in strengthening the regional talent pipelines.
Hughes also emphasized the critical role of supplier readiness in maintaining industrial capacity. HII works with over 5,000 suppliers nationwide and spends approximately $1 billion annually through its supplier network. Hughes noted that readiness must be built long before demand peaks, as it is integral to the overall industrial ecosystem.
“HII’s impact doesn’t stop at the shipyard gates,” Hughes stated. “Strong suppliers and a skilled workforce grow from the same foundation: capability, performance, trust, and time.”
As America’s largest shipbuilder, HII is dedicated to investing in workforce pipelines, strengthening supplier readiness, and supporting resilient communities. The company is committed to meeting today’s shipbuilding demands while strengthening the industrial base for the future. Through these initiatives, HII aims to ensure a sustainable and prepared workforce and supplier network to support the region’s long-term growth.
HII’s commitment to workforce development and industrial capacity reflects both Hughes’ human resources expertise and his extensive experience in the Gulf Coast industrial community. Hughes, a graduate of Tougaloo College, has spent many years leading human resources at HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division and has served as the company’s chief human resources officer since 2022.