The Maritime sector is one of CCW’s 10 high-demand sectors. For each of these high-demand sectors, a CCW Sector Leader develops and supports the implementation of a strategy to meet the workforce needs of employers in their sector through targeted expansion and development of career connected learning programs.

The CCW Sector Leader for Maritime is the NW Center of Excellence for Marine Manufacturing & Technology. (Primary contact: Ann Avary, Director, ann.avary@skagit.edu)

Employers in the Maritime sector share these themes related to workforce development:

  • Employers report an immediate need for technicians across maritime disciplines. This need is fueled by growth in the sector (including, for example, the assignment of defense assets to the state, such as the U.S. Navy designation of Naval Station Everett for the next generation of Constellation-class frigates). This dynamic is exacerbated by fierce competition across sectors vying for the same talent pool.
  • Employers desire increased education and training capacity as one way to grow a maritime workforce bench, including expanding Career Launch programming. This requires support for existing programs to go through the Career Launch endorsement process, along with a focus on faculty development and credential attainment in high demand disciplines.
  • Even for Maritime occupations with a technical focus, there is a need for a focus on skills attainment that support maritime career entry and progression, such as essential skills, project management, and logistics.
  • There is a need to expand and support awareness and access for K12 students, including high demand maritime career pathway maps. This will facilitate student and family understanding of entry points, educational programs and professional attainment.

Employers in the Maritime sector indicate these occupations are high-priority for the expansion or development of education and training programs to meet their hiring needs:

  • Marine Electrician
  • Propulsion Technician
  • Aluminum Welder/Fabricator
  • Sailors & Marine Oilers
  • Ship Engineer
  • Captains, Mates & Pilots

Interested in learning more about the career connected learning programs that can help meet these needs? You can see a brief overview here. Take a look at the full 2024 Maritime sector strategy for more detailed information and recommendations.

For more information, please reach out to the Sector Leader using the contact information above. You can also access the original 2023 Maritime sector strategy here, which provides more detailed data and information about the sector.