LA-Long Beach Ports’ Goods Movement Training Campus Nets Funding

California state officials on March 24 presented a ceremonial check reaffirming a $110 million pledge to help fund the nation’s first training facility specifically devoted to supply chain workers. Photo: Port of Long Beach.

California leaders on March 24 announced a $110 million investment over three years to build what they say would be the nation’s first training facility dedicated to goods movement.

Set to open in 2029, the 20-acre Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach Goods Movement Training Campus would give the ability to attract and retain supply chain workers by learning on state-of-the-art equipment that prepares workers for zero-emissions port operations and building on other skill sets.

“We are humbled that our efforts are being recognized and rewarded by this historic investment in our collective future success,” Ramon Ponce de Leon, president of International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 13 said.

The project is a partnership between the ports, the California Workforce Development Board, the ILWU and the Pacific Maritime Association. The two seaports have said they plan to equally divide the project’s cost and collaborate with stakeholders to procure more funding for training equipment and curriculum.

“I commend California Gov. Gavin Newsom for his unwavering leadership and commitment to our ports and its workforce,” Port of LA Executive Director Gene Seroka said in a statement. “Our state and local elected officials supporting this effort recognize the importance of training and development in the goods movement sector.”

“This investment,” he continued, “will ensure that we can upskill, reskill and address the rapidly changing needs of the logistics industry while leaving no one behind.”

By Karen Robes Meeks