On May 11, 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.
For the first time, essential maritime career information is consolidated on one website, washingtonmaritimecareers.org, where multiple career paths are presented including contacts, wage scales, education requirements and necessary tools to get started.
Campaign partners, including the Port of Seattle and Propeller Club, launched the campaign at the annual Seattle Maritime Breakfast.
“Maritime and industrial businesses are part of Seattle’s future,” Port of Seattle Commission President Sam Cho said. “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.”
The new, web-based career resource was produced and compiled by the Center of Excellence for Marine Manufacturing & Technology at Skagit Valley College and Career Connect Washington. The site’s designed to provide information necessary to lead anyone into a maritime-based career along with job opportunity options for those between the ages of 18 to 34.
By accessing the website, people 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 Washington state’s maritime industry.