Bath Iron Works and the University of Maine System are partnering on a new discount program for shipbuilders who attend a state university.

The discount will reduce out-of-pocket costs for BIW workers already enrolled in a program that fully reimburses their tuition when they complete a course.

It’s hoped the program will help workers expand their expertise and let BIW retain a skilled workforce.

The new Deckplates to Degrees partnership gives BIW employees a 10% discount on all undergraduate and graduate courses offered by Maine’s public universities, including those online.

The discount works in conjunction with the existing BIW tuition reimbursement program, which provides full reimbursement to employees for eligible coursework related to their job.

“BIW is committed to its employees and supports their ongoing career success and personal development,” said BIW Vice President of Human Resources Ray Steen. “This tuition discount program will make it more affordable for our employees to pursue their educational goals.”

“Bath built is best built, and now BIW employees can be best educated through the University of Maine System,” said University of Maine Chancellor Dannel Malloy.