Local Outlets Get Federal Designation to Help With Maritime Training
WASHINGTON DC – Two north Olympic Peninsula entities are getting a special federal designation to improve the local workforce in marine trades.
Peninsula College in Port Angeles and Port Hadlock’s Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding have been designated Centers of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education by the U.S. Maritime Administration.
Sixth District US Congressman Derek Kilmer says this federal designation will help get more people trained for high-paying jobs in the maritime industry.
“We know that we have a significant need for growing the maritime workforce. It is a burgeoning area of our economy and we actually need a well-skilled mariner workforce that’s important both from the standpoint of our economy and of our national security,” said Kilmer.
The two local entities join about 60 similar centers designated across the country.
“One, it’s the “Good Housekeeping” seal of approval. It’s a recognition of the good work that’s happening in our neck of the woods. But two, it opens up eligibility for a whole lot of federal resources both for your students and for the institutions and that I think is nothing but good news and just recognizing that this is a big part of our workforce needed on the peninsula and a whole bunch of economic upside on the peninsula,” said Kilmer.
This designation will enable them to become eligible for future grants and federal funds that will allow their organizations to expand their offerings.
Peninsula College is currently seeking funds to start an associate degree in maritime manufacturing.
The Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding was founded more than 40 years ago and has offered students a unique hands-on education to develop skills and confidence as marine systems technicians and boatbuilders.
Source: Radio Pacific, Inc