The Port of Los Angeles has signed an agreement with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office to partner on efforts that would help students be better prepared for a career in the maritime industry, the port said Feb. 4.
The pact allows the two parties to partner on ways to provide career path opportunities for students, improve ways for students and alumni to seek jobs in the industry, engage students in more research and user experiences and get more access to port experts on community college campuses.
“The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office partnership with the Port of Los Angeles … will help position our colleges to support students for good jobs and careers in the climate economy,” California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian said.
The collaboration is the latest in a series of efforts by the port to nurture the next generation of workforce in the maritime industry. Last November, the port inked an agreement with UCLA to work with communities surrounding the port and to develop more opportunities for UCLA students and faculty.
The port has also invested in a new $16 million International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU)-Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) Maintenance and Repair Training Center on Terminal Island.
The Port of LA is also teaming with the Port of Long Beach, International Longshore and Warehouse Union, Pacific Maritime Association and California Workforce Development Board to build a 20-acre training facility.
“The goal of this (collaboration) is to provide students with the education, skills and pathways they’ll need for future careers in our industry,” Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka said. “The impetus behind this partnership is to ensure that our local colleges remain up to date with changing technologies, and that students are prepared for future job opportunities as our industry evolves.”
