The Northwest Marine Trade Association announced that boating businesses looking to hire entry-level candidates can tap the growing Core Plus Maritime training program. Since launching in fall 2021, the program has expanded to 30 high schools and 2,000 students across Washington.
NMTA made the announcement in its weekly newsletter, Waterlife.
“Core Plus was originally developed in 2012 to revive shop class, and it’s been successful. It’s grown into three sectors since,” program director Tory Gering told Trade Only Today. “Our students aren’t just getting ready for the workforce; they’re discovering their love of boats.”
The Core Plus Maritime program includes resources (curriculum, teacher training, classroom funding, industry support) that help schools adopt marine technology programs reflective of their local communities. Students spend one to three hours of their school day working on boats and skills relevant to the maritime industry. The program is overseen by the Seattle-based Manufacturing Industrial Council.
“This year, we had graduates get hired full time at Wooldridge Boats, Brix Marine, Life Proof Boats, DeForge, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy and others. Every year, the schools are more excited about maritime,” Gering said.
Contact Tory Gering at tory@seattleindustry.org to learn more or visit the program website.
