b'MEMBER NEWSWashington State Ferries Builds Future Generations of Maritime ProfessionalsI narecentWashingtonStateFer- behind-the-scenes vessel tour, giving WSFalsohostedtheirsecondannualries (WSF) newsletter, Assistant themaperspectiveonarangeofca- careerdayforhighschoolstudentsatSecretary, WSDOT/Ferries Divi- reersavailableatthecompany. theirEagleHarborMaintenanceFacili-sion,SteveNeveysharedthestoryof ty.Morethan100studentsfromnearbyhisjourneytofindafootinthedoor These initiatives are designed to in- highschoolssawfirsthandwhatitslikeofthemaritimeindustry.Therewas spireandsupportthenextgeneration toworkinmaritimeandtrades.Whilenodirectoreasypathandnosupport of maritime professionals, making WSFcontinuestoactivelyrecruitandfromhisschoolsystemdespitehisin- theirpathsmootherandmoreacces- hirenewworkersandtrainexistingem-terestinworkingonships.Inatime sible. The efforts aim to cultivate a ployeestofillkeypositions,theyrealizewhenstaffingistoooftenachallenge, passion for maritime careers among theymustalsolooktobringlong-termnurturingyoungstudentsinterestin young people and ensure they have stabilitytotheworkforcebyattractingacareerinmaritimeisanimportant theopportunitiesandguidancethat highschoolgraduatesintolifelongca-elementofbuildingthenextgenera- havenotalwaysbeeneasytofind. reerswiththeorganization.tionofcrewandstaffmembers.As a result of his experience, Neveywasexcitedtodiscussmanyoftheef-fortsbeingundertakenbyWSF.Theorganization has partnered with theregionsmaritimecommunitytoreachlocal youth and remove barriers tomakeiteasierforyoungpeopletopur- decorative | durable | functionalsuecareersinthemaritimeindustry.TheyarecollaboratingwithMaritimeHigh School and Seattle MaritimeAcademy to provide Running Startopportunities for maritime interns.They are also working with theNorthwestMaritimeCentertocreatelearningexperiencesatseaformiddleandhighschoolyouth.Oneideaunderdevelopmentissum-merschoolatsea,wheretherewouldbe a classroom in a ferrys passengercabin with kids completing learningprojects in a summer school-typesetting. Washington State Ferries USCG-Certied Light-Weight Aluminum recently opened their Eagle Harbor Honeycomb Panels for Passenger FerriesMaintenanceFacilitytohighschoolers rigidized.com/markets/marinetoseetheworkshopsthereandgeta 658 Ohio Street | Buffalo, NY 14203 | marine@rigidized.com37 MAY 2024'