BIW offers 'Deckplates to degrees' tuition break for employees

big cranes and other machines near water

FILE PHOTO / TIM GREENWAY The Bath shipyard is joining forces with the University of Maine System on a tuition discount program for employees.

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By Tina Fischer

Bath Iron Works and the University of Maine System are collaborating to offer tuition discounts to shipbuilders pursuing postsecondary education and training through Maine’s public universities.

The "Deckplates to degrees" program allows eligible BIW employees to receive a 10% discount on all undergraduate and graduate courses, including online offerings. BIW ranks No. 4 on the list of Maine's largest private employers in the 2025 Mainebiz Book of Lists, with more than 6,500 employees.

BIW’s current tuition reimbursement program covers the full cost of studies related to employees’ jobs. The new 10% discount will reduce students’ out-of-pocket expenses prior to being reimbursed upon successful completion of classes.

“BIW is committed to its employees and supports their ongoing career success and personal development,” said Ray Steen, BIW's vice president for human resources. “This tuition discount program will make it more affordable for our employees to pursue their educational goals.”

The University of Maine System has had an ongoing partnership with BIW and currently offers a course in the business school where students are learning to develop solutions to challenges affecting workforce development, including housing shortages and technical skill gaps.

"Maine’s public universities look forward to supporting the professional development and economic mobility of more BIW workers while enabling this essential Maine employer to recruit and retain the skilled workforce necessary to their company’s success and our nation’s security," said Chancellor Dannel Malloy.

BIW estimates that half of its employees commute 70 miles to and from work due to the state's tight housing market.

As part of a course at the Maine Business School, undergraduate students are investigating additional resources, partnerships and advocacy opportunities to address the issue.

Students are also working on ways to bolster BIW’s training and recruitment to help attract workers with the necessary skills. Ideas for enhanced apprenticeship programs, job shadowing opportunities and earlier engagement with technical education programs to reach tradespeople before the hiring stage are all being studied.

BIW is owned by General Dynamics Corp. (NYSE: GD).