Port of Seattle Awards $4 Million for Youth Maritime Career Training, Services

The Port of Seattle Commission is providing $4 million over three years to partner with maritime industry employers and provide training and services to people between the ages of 16-24. Photo: Port of Seattle.

The Port of Seattle Commission is providing $4.1 million over three years to partner with maritime industry employers, provide training and services to young people between the ages of 16-24, and place youth in internships that may lead to full-time employment in entry-level maritime roles.

The port made the funding announcement Nov. 18, saying that the program’s goal is to reach “under-served communities and those furthest from opportunities.”

“The Port of Seattle continues its investment in youth for job-training opportunities in much-needed positions throughout our region,” Port of Seattle Commissioner Hamdi Mohamed said. “You can see the need for a new generation of maritime workers everywhere — from our ferry system to the crowded docks of our waterfront — we need young people to see it too and get involved.”

The pilot program will partner with social services organization Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, sustainable development organization Washington Maritime Blue and private school The Polytech.

“Well-paying careers await youth throughout Puget Sound,” the Port of Seattle said in a statement.

The port is encouraging interested applicants to sign up now for the Equity in Action newsletter for updates, via https://www.portseattle.org/page/equity-action-e-news.