Posted on May 15, 2023
SEATTLE — Seattle-based maritime organizations, including the Port of Seattle, kicked off a local “Maritime Works” campaign drawing awareness to local opportunities for young adults looking for a high-wage career based in Puget Sound (#MaritimeWorks).
For the first time, essential maritime career information is consolidated on one website where multiple career paths are presented including contacts, wage scales, education requirements, and the necessary tools to get started today. Campaign partners, including the Port of Seattle and Propeller Club, launched the campaign this week at the annual Seattle Maritime Breakfast.
“Maritime and industrial businesses are part of Seattle’s future,” said Port of Seattle Commission President Sam Cho. “Yesterday’s recruiting strategies have no hope of keeping up with the demand in maritime hiring. Maritime industries recognize that channeling resources and embracing diversity in recruiting, we can find and train that next generation of maritime workers and leaders.”
“Seattle’s maritime industry is a core component of our city’s diversified economy, providing thousands of family-wage jobs throughout the Puget Sound,” said Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. “Opening doors to vocational jobs — great jobs that are available right now — means connecting young people with new opportunities and career pathways that will allow them to learn, grow, earn good wages, and build community with colleagues and neighbors.”
This new, web-based career resource was produced and compiled by the Center of Excellence for Marine Manufacturing & Technology, Skagit Valley College, and Career Connect Washington. The website is a comprehensive resource designed to be user-friendly and easy to navigate, providing the information necessary to lead anyone into a maritime-based career along with job opportunity options for those between the ages of 18 to 34.
“One need only look at our state’s ferry service last summer to see that we have a real shortage of qualified mariners to staff these vessels and provide the required skills to keep this vital transportation system afloat,“ said Ann Avary, Director, Center of Excellence for Marine Manufacturing & Technology, Skagit Valley College. “Not only is it mariners that we need, but the skills to build the next generation of ferry vessels necessary to keep the largest ferry system in North America operating sufficiently.”
“We encourage parents to explore the local maritime opportunities available to their high-school-age children as they consider careers and enter the workforce in the next several years,” said Tremain Holloway, founding principal of Maritime High School. The high school was founded as a path to prepare students for maritime careers. “We can’t afford to lose a generation of potential local talent while their skills are needed here now.”
Maritime job wages earn higher on average compared to other industries. Maritime career options can also be land-based and not necessarily at sea full-time. These positions, and their requirements, can also be located on the website.
“Training for a maritime career doesn’t require a degree from a four-year college or university, so students don’t have to take on a big debt load to get started. A nine-month program at the Seattle Maritime Academy can cost as little as $11,000 and put a student on a clear path to starting wages upwards of $60,000 a year, depending on the position,” said Dale Bateman, Associate Dean of the Seattle Maritime Academy. “Even better, programs like the Seattle Promise can make tuition free.
Most entry-level positions don’t require a four-year degree; you can enter the maritime industry with a certificate or credential. The skills and training you need can be obtained by attending a community or technical college program, entering an apprenticeship program, or obtaining a four-year degree.
“Maritime offers unlimited opportunities and options for your career journey – everything from recreational boating to international shipping, with great careers at-sea or shoreside,” said Tosca Pinder, President, Seattle Propeller Club, and Vice President Newfront. “The Washington State maritime community is welcoming and offers a supportive environment to have a thriving career.”
By accessing the website, you can explore the programming, education, and registered apprenticeship options available for students and apprentices who want to enter the industry, professional development opportunities for educators, and the career opportunities in the maritime industry in Washington State.
