Maritime

The maritime industry employs thousands of people across the Puget Sound region in high-skill, high-wage jobs. In spring 2009, the WDC and enterpriseSeattle convened a Maritime Transportation Cluster Skills Panel to identify workforce challenges and solutions in this important industry.

The project’s goal was to lay the groundwork for a regional approach to efficient recruitment, training, and advancement of skilled mariners across this incredibly varied cluster.

The Panel
Beginning in 2009, the WDC convened a panel of key maritime stakeholders to identify workforce challenges and solutions. The group included large and small employers, unions, training institutions and government agencies, all of whom understood the challenges facing the maritime industry. These challenges include an aging workforce whose retirements will cause a skill shortage and changing U.S. Coast Guard regulations that make it difficult for workers to stay certified.

Accomplishments

The panel’s accomplishments included:

  • An in-depth analysis of the industry’s workforce challenges, particularly related to marine engineering.
  • A career map of marine engineering occupations and career path (available at MapYourCareer.org)
  • Enhanced collaboration and efficiencies among public and private maritime training programs and institutions around Puget Sound
  • A new maritime careers website at MapYourCareer.org, with content informed by industry experts. The website fills a need identified by the panel for accurate, up-to-date information for youth and adults interested in maritime careers. This information portal is of value to jobseekers and to youth pursuing career information, as well as teachers and career counselors.
  • A further state grant to examine the role of the seafood and maritime industries in the financial services sector in King County. Understanding the variety of employment options and career pathways related to the business administration aspects of the cluster will inform and support future maritime sector workforce development efforts.