The Port of Tacoma is looking to bolster its workforce development investments in Pierce County and in particular, good maritime and trade sector jobs that don’t require four-year college degrees.
Commissioners on Aug. 19 approved a new Workforce Development Strategic Plan, which would include an effort to support the Youth Marine Foundation, working with local groups on internship and paid work experience opportunities for youths with trades employers, a port summer internship program and nurture the Tacoma Public Schools Tideflats Certification Programs.
“The port’s workforce development strategies were developed to create more pathways for local youth and young adults to get hands-on experience and build bridges to opportunities for meaningful, well-paying jobs in maritime and skilled trades,” Port Commission President Don Meyer said.
“Preparing future generations with the skills and training needed to fill the numerous and diverse jobs that exist within the port industry is a key priority in the port’s Strategic Plan and furthers our mission to promote prosperity and support family-wage job creation in Pierce County,” Meyer explained.