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Maritime Industry College Partners

Bellingham Technical College

Address:

Bellingham Technical College

3028 Lindbergh Avenue 
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 752-7000

www.btc.edu/Academics/degreesandcertificates/weldingandfabricatingtechnology/weldingandfabrication-AAS-T.html

Contact:

Russell Jones, CWI, CWE
Welding Technologies Instructor
AWS ATF Supervisor
(360) 752-8301
[email protected]

Overview of Services:

BTC’s degrees and certificates in the Welding Technology Program are ideal for students with mechanical aptitude or a strong foundation in math, science, and technology.

You will get job training for skills in high demand by the metal and construction trades for work as a welder, cutter, or welding machine operator. Students choose to specialize in one of two areas: structural steel fabrication or pipe welding.

BTC’s hands-on job training will prepare you for a career in boat manufacturing, steel manufacturing, refining, and transportation, or with federal, state, or local governments.

Credential: YES

AAS Degrees in Welding and Fabrication, or Welding and Fabrication - Pipe Specialization

Certificate in Welding and Fabrication – Basic Welding Skills

A basic certificate can be earned in 1-year although it does not include an industry recognized certification. Students are encouraged to go for the 2-year AAS degree.

Equity Lens:

Inclusivity is a big part of school. There are lots of women in program; school is near Lummi Reservation, so attracts Native Americans. In general, student population is naturally diverse.

Rachel does outreach to women. She went through program and has hosted SHIFT, a program to recruit women into program.

Welding has a stereotype of being dirty, so trying to change that impression. New processes including aluminum are different.

Edmonds College

Address:

20000 68th Avenue W
Lynnwood, WA 98036
(425) 640-1459

[email protected]
https://www.edmonds.edu/
https://www.edmonds.edu/programs-and-degrees/areas-of-study/engineering-and-manufacturing/engineering/
https://www.edmonds.edu/programs-and-degrees/areas-of-study/engineering-and-manufacturing/engineering-technology/

Contact:

Edmonds College Running Start
(425) 640-1761
[email protected]

Engineering Technology
Su Nelson, Program Manager
Materials Science Tech/STEM Division
(425) 640-1980
[email protected]

Overview of Services:

Materials Science Technology:

Edmonds College is partnering with Edmonds and Mukilteo School Districts to offer the Composites and Materials Science Technology Program. This program is a high-school-to-college manufacturing program that will result in students gaining a Certificate in Materials Technology (Composites) during their high school senior year.

Associate of Applied Science and Manufacturing

Credential: YES

Certificate in Materials Technology (Composites), can be earned during their senior year in high school.

Mechatronics – ATA Degree (Associate of Technical Arts) and some are already working. These skills in demand using large, automated equipment and robotics. Boeing research and technology partnership.

Associate of Manufacturing and Quality Assurance.

Associate of Applied Science.

Equity Lens:

Running Start – Can complete an AAS Degree program, plus get HS diploma from Edmonds depending on number of credits you have in high school. Can do this PT or FT status.

Career Pathways – Students who complete the 15 credit Composites Certificate of Completion are eligible to apply for Boeing's Blue Streak Mechanic, Composite Manufacturing Technician or Tooling Inspector Apprenticeship programs.

MESA Program - for 1st-generation to college, and under-represented students. 

RISE Program – Relationship in STEM education. More diversity in STEM, although dropped off during pandemic.

International Brotherhood of Boilermakers - Local #104

Contact(s):

Office & Training Address
South Seattle Community College
Georgetown Campus, Bldg B, #122
Seattle, WA 98108

Mailing Address
Boilermakers Local 104 & PSE Apprenticeship
PO Box 80782
Seattle, WA 98108

www.local104apprenticeship.org

Brian Self, Apprenticeship Coord.
206.854.4636  or  206.624.4707
[email protected]

Overview of Services:

Boilermakers are complete metal fabricators. We work with steel, aluminum, and other metals. Our work includes new construction, repair, and maintenance of ships, boilers, cranes, tanks, pipelines, cableways, pressure vessels, structural frames, logging equipment, sheet metal and plate transitions, hydroelectric projects and others too numerous to mention.

Apprenticeship describes a three-year (6,000 hour) program of on-the-job and related training. On-the-job training requires moving from work area to work area within a shop or shipyard. You will be working with a journeyman to learn all facets of the trades.

Boilermakers are funders and Puget Sound Employers. Works for Trust/Board of people.

Certification:

Credential: YES

AAS - Journeyman Boilermaker

Have all the skills needed to be a boilermaker, i.e., fitting, rigging, welding, blueprint reading.

Yes,definitely jobs going into maritime. Never shortage of people applying, but problem is are employers willing to take an apprentice? Need to build relationships – convincing them to participate. Looking better, but still a big challenge.

Equity Lens:

Not seeing change in demographics, but already have a diverse program. Mostly young people, under 30. Fresh out of HS. Teens or early 20’s.

Definitely. When needed, give tours to PACE (Pathways for Advancing Careers and Education), and PACT (Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Training) college programs.

We do pre-apprenticeship programs. Job fairs. Facebook page, web site, do outreach.

About 12-16 people going through program. Pre covid was 20-25. Challenge is business has been slow, so need has not been there. Or restrictions were higher to go to college, need to be vaccinated and/or exemption.

Lower Columbia College

Address:

1600 Maple Street
Longview,WA 98632
(360) 442-2311
(866) 900-2311 Toll Free
[email protected]
https://lowercolumbia.edu/

Contact:

Career Services Inquiries
(360) 442-2330
[email protected]

Troy Joiner, Manufacturing
[email protected]

Mechanical Engineering Technology
(360) 442-2887

David Pittsley, Welding Instructor
CWI/WABO Examiner
(360) 442-2958
[email protected]

Tamara Gilcrest, Dean of Instruction
(360) 442-2621
[email protected]

Credential: YES

AAS Degree: Welding
Certificate: Welding Proficiency (1year program)

Students must successfully complete the Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO) Qualification Test before earning a degree in Welding.

Equity Lens:

College has an entire division doing outreach to minorities. They bring groups of women, girls and students from local tribes to visit his classroom. David's seen a major increase in # of women going into welding, currently 30% of welding enrollment. They all get jobs in Portland or WA. Ages range from 19-70. Some learn welding to support a hobby. Average student age is 30-35. They’ve been in the workforce and are seeking a “career” that pays good money, as opposed to holding down jobs. Considered to be worker retraining. Welding program is continually evolving with industry trends to stay current. Due to increase in aluminum welding, school will be doubling training in that area next year.

North Seattle College

Address:

9600 College Way North
Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 934-3600

https://northseattle.edu/

Contact:

Julie Lyderson
Electronics Navigator
(206) 934-4609
[email protected]

Overview of Services:

This pathway meets AAS Electronics Technology degree requirements. The program emphasizes a practical, hands-on approach to the field of electronics and prepares students for a career as an electronics technician. Completion of this degree opens doors to a variety of careers in specialties including aerospace, manufacturing, avionics, biomedical, industrial automation and robotics, and telecommunications in the commercial and government sectors.

Credential: YES

AAS Electronics Technology

AAS-T Electronics Engr. Tech

Certificate Electronics Tech.

AAS Industrial Power & Control

AAS Mechatronics

AAS IT-Controlled Elect. System

Certificate IT-Controlled Electronic Systems

Northwest Indian College

Address:

2522 Kwina Road
Bellingham, WA 98226 
(360) 676-2772

www.nwic.edu

Contact:

Emma Norman, Department Chair
Native Environmental Science
(360) 392-4309
[email protected]

Overview of Services:

With its main campus located on the Lummi Indian Reservation in Washington State, 20 miles south of the Canadian border, Northwest Indian College is the only accredited tribal college serving the states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.

This program of study provides core courses in science and mathematics in the context of a Native American Studies curriculum for students interested in pursuing careers in marine biology, health sciences or natural resources.

The Life Sciences degree is designed to meet most of the prerequisites for entrance into a four-year college or university science program in Washington State.

Credential: YES

BS - Native Environmental Science Program (4-year)
Mission fulfillment of the college.

We encourage students to declare a major early in the program.

Equity Lens:

Open enrollment program. Need GED or high school diploma.  Current enrollment is 600 students. Lummi is main campus and there are 6 more sites across WA. 

78% of all students are women. Women want to be role models for their kids and may attend college at an older age. They also often want to work in tribal government. Why are fewer men enrolled? Lummi has a fishing culture that attracts males. Native men also endure highest rate of incarceration. Systems have failed tribal communities (i.e., boarding school tragedy) so our program is focused on career placement, healing work, self-reflection, and wrap-around services. We take a more holistic approach. During her 20 years at the college, Emma has focused on increasing the number of native faculty. She is the only non-native department head. 

Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding

Address:

42 N Water Street
Port Hadlock, WA 98339
(360) 385-4948

[email protected]
www.nwboatschool.org

Contact:

Christina Ruben
Student Affairs Manager & 
Title IX Coordinator
(360) 386-4507
[email protected]

Overview of Services:

Founded in 1981, the Boat School is an accredited educational institution that attracts students from around the world including countries such as Japan, Australia, England, South Korea, Austria, Canada, Taiwan, Ireland, Mexico, Scotland, France and Tanzania. The school has taught traditional and contemporary wooden boatbuilding skills to more than 1,500 students. 

MARINE SYSTEMS: Covers tasks integral to boat building and repair, such as electrical systems, corrosion, diesel engines, propulsion, hydraulics, marine plumbing, and marine HVAC.

CONTEMPORARY WOODEN BOATBUILDING: Teaches students how to build wooden boats using strip planking, stich-and-glue, plywood, cold molding, and laminating techniques applicable to both small and large vessels.

TRADITIONAL WOODEN BOATBUILDING: Trains students to build a variety of traditionally constructed vessels both large and small.

Credential: YES

Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) Degree in Traditional and Contemporary Wooden Boatbuilding. 12-month, full-time program.

Certificate in Marine Systems. 9-month program. 

Some financial aid and VA benefits available for these two programs. 

Marine Systems Intensive:
These courses for industry professionals consist of 5-day classes in marine diesel engines, marine electrical, marine corrosion, and marine hydraulics. They are non-credit courses that rely on industry-relevant mock-ups to provide hands-on practical training.

Equity Lens:

Now seeing more and more women in marine systems technician program. Seeing some native students also.  

Biggest demographic is 30-36yo looking for a second career, something very hands-on.

Funding is tight. Outreach consists of the fact this viable industry has connections already and some come here for training.  

Do international recruitment as well and have a small percentage of foreign students each year.

Olympic College (Also see PSNS)

Address:

1600 Chester Avenue
Bremerton, WA 98337-1699
(360) 792-6050

www.olympic.edu

Contact:

Industrial Trades

(360) 476-4622
Bob Abel, Faculty
[email protected]

Mark Lutzenhiser, Faculty
[email protected]

Doug Beck, Faculty
Precision Machining
(360) 473-0580
[email protected]

Norma B. Whitacre, Ed. D.
Dean, Business & Technology Division
(253) 219-9488
[email protected]

Overview of Services:

Industrial Trades Technician (ATA)/ Apprenticeship Program - a collaborative program between Olympic College, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, and Naval Intermediate Maintenance Facility. This program blends theory and practical application to bolster learning experiences in oral and written communications, interpersonal skills, applied mathematics, and applied physics.

Manufacturing Technology - Certificate of Completion is designed to provide students with entry level manufacturing skills and machining skills. Students will learn about hand tools, shop safety procedures, blueprints, machinery, and computer numerical control.

Welding - ATA Degree and several specialized certificate options.

Marine Electrical Apprentice - The only program we offer that is specifically for maritime is the Marine Electrical apprentice that we plan to launch fall quarter 2022.

Credential: YES

End of Y1 – Certificate of Completion
End of Y2 – Have taken core classes and relevant trade theory courses
End of Y3 – Get ATA, Associate Technical Arts Degree, as Industrial Trade Tech, could pursue Marine Electrician.
End of Y4 – Spent OJT, on docks or working as Journeyman. Get certificate from Navy.

Certificate for Maritime Electronics – NEW program coming in Fall 2022

Equity Lens:

Olympic’s mission statement reinforces focus on DEI and addresses meeting people where they are in community.

Attend annual “Color” Conference.

Anecdotal Note: At PSNS, we see increasing numbers of women in shipyard. This is happening incrementally. 

“Doing our best to attract diverse students.”

Norma Whitacre: Our college serves a diverse student population, and we work to recruit and train underserved populations.

Peninsula College

Address:

1502 E Lauridsen Blvd
Port Angeles, WA 98362
(360) 452-9277

www.pencol.edu

Contact:

Mia Boster, Ph.D.
Dean of Workforce Education & 
Accreditation Liaison Officer
(360) 417-6484
[email protected]

Rebecca Schwartz, Director
Forks Extension
(360) 417-6435
[email protected]

Overview of Services:

Welding: The need for skilled welders is continually growing. As a professional welder, some of the job opportunities you might consider include those as trade welders and fabricators, as well as positions in engineering, plant maintenance, inspection, sales and service, and supervision.

Peninsula College’s one-year, competency-based certificate program provides training for entry-level jobs and gives you the related knowledge necessary for advancement in the metals industry. We also offer a two-year AAS degree. Our curriculum emphasizes workplace safety, welding terminology, welding, cutting techniques, basic blueprint reading, metallurgical properties, and joint design. Instruction centers on classroom study and preparation for AWS certification. 

Credential: YES

AAS Degree in Welding Technology.

Employers who have hired our welding students: 

  • BRIX Marine in Port Angeles
  • ACI Boats in Port Townsend
  • SAFEBOATS in Bremerton
  • LEE Shore Boats in Port Angeles
  • Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton
  • EDC Engineering/ Vigor Shipyards in Seattle
  • Crozier Craft in Port Angeles
  • Armstrong Marine, Port Angeles
Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS) + Olympic College

Address:

PSNS Apprenticeship Office
PSNS Building 460, R-242
1400 Farragut Street
Bremerton, WA 98314

Contact:

Bobbie Laurent, Program Manager
Business & Technology Division
(360) 509-1534
(360) 476-7038
[email protected]

Dennis Funk
Dean of Manufacturing & Trades
(360) 476-2473
[email protected]

Overview of Services:

Since 1901 the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard has relied heavily upon an apprentice program to satisfy its need for skilled trades personnel and shop supervisors. 

The apprenticeship program involves 4 years of intensive training in one of 28 skilled trades of interest to the shipyard. The first 3 years are equally divided between skill training and taking college classes, which leads to an Associate in Technical Arts (ATA) degree as an Industrial Trades Technician.

After successful completion of the ATA, emphasis shifts from academics to specific skill training, leading toward the apprentice achieving journey level certifications through the Department of Labor.

In addition to the program offered at PSNS, Olympic College supports apprenticeship programs in Electronics for the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Keyport.

Credential: YES

Associate in Technical Arts (ATA) Degree as Industrial Trades Tech.
Olympic has a few programs that offer certificates and degrees in shipyard trades. These include welding, manufacturing and technical design.  We will soon add the Marine Electronics program (Fall 2022).

The first 3 years are equally divided between skill training and taking college classes, which leads to an (ATA) degree as an Industrial Trades Technician.     

After successful completion of the ATA, emphasis shifts from academics to specific skill training, leading toward the apprentice achieving journey level certifications through the Department of Labor. 

Upon completion, candidates are traditionally offered career employment status in the Shipyard as a journey level employee with full benefits.

Equity Lens:

Internships, also known as work-study, are open to a small number of high school students, most often in their 3rd year of high school. Interested students should contact their advisor for information regarding the Work Study program and position availability.

Renton Technical College

Address:

3000 NE 4th Street
Renton, WA 98056
(425) 235-2352

www.rtc.edu/mechatronics

www.rtc.edu/welding

www.rtc.edu/manufacturing-fabrication-technologies

www.rtc.edu/machining-technologies

Contact:

Mechatronics:

Hussein Al-Kinani, Faculty
Mechatronics Instructor
Workforce, Trades & Economic Development - Continuing Education
(425) 235-2352 ext. 5321
[email protected]

Welding:

Elisa C. Stuart (she/her or they/them)
Welding Instructor
AWS CWI / WABO Welder Examiner
(425) 235-2352 ext. 2483
[email protected]

Manufacturing and Fabrication Technologies:

Eugene Shen
Interim Dean
Advanced Manufacturing
(425) 235-2352 ext. 2161
[email protected]

Machining Technologies:

David Schoenmakers, Faculty
Precision Machining
Workforce, Trades & Economic Development
(425) 235-2352 ext. 2043
[email protected]

Bao Dao, Faculty
Precision Machining
Workforce, Trades & Economic Development
[email protected]

Overview of Services:

Mechatronics: 

Mechatronics is the integration of mechanical, electrical, and computer science technologies that can be applied in a wide variety of industries. Technicians work in mechanical, electrical, automation, robotics and aerospace fields. Students learn essential technical skills to install, diagnose, repair and perform routine maintenance

Welding:

This program prepares welders for most phases of the industry. It combines classroom time with practical experience in the most common manual and semi-automatic welding processes: OFW (gas), SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, SAW (arc), MIG, and TIG. Graduates can earn certifications from the state and from the Washington Association of Building Officials.

Manufacturing and Fabrication Technologies:

This program prepares students or incumbent workers for careers in industrial production and fabrication. Students will learn the fundamentals of production tooling, fabrication, and additive manufacturing. They will understand the characteristics of metals, and how engineering designs move from concept to reality. Students will apply their skills in advanced metrology, fabrication and production in different manufacturing environments.

Machining Technologies:

Machines and equipment such as planes and cars would not work without precise parts. Many of these come out of machine shops using sophisticated manufacturing equipment. The two-year Machining Technologies program gives students the skills and hands-on experience to work in these kinds of machine shops or manufacturing facilities. Students will learn to apply math, read blueprints, the properties of metals, and other practical skills. They will apply inspection techniques and machining processes and procedures in a modern shop equipped with lathes and vertical and horizontal Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines. When appropriate, students may be assigned off-site in a working machine shop. This program articulates with Tech Prep programs through the Puget Sound Dual Credit Career Consortium.

Credential: YES

AAS - Associate of Applied Science

Certificate of Completion

Equity Lens:

Mechatronics:

Renton Tech has a DEI department focused on this issue. These programs are open to all. Hussein (faculty contact) is a teacher of color and a member of RTC's Men of Color. Last year, the program had 2 female graduates.

Welding:

College as a whole is doing outreach, e.g., women being in trades. Elisa does Women In Trades STEM presentation. With the welding program she's starting more outreach to Rainier Valley area; already do Kent and Snoqualmie. When at school, students can access an IBEST instructor who is there to work one-on-one with students who need extra help.

Seattle Central College

Address:

Wood Technology Center
2310 S Lane Street 
Seattle, WA 98144
(206) 934-5460

[email protected]
https://woodtech.seattlecentral.edu/

Contact:

Sam Laher, Instructor
Boat Building and Repair
(206) 934-4915 cell

Overview of Services:

The Boat Building and Repair program at Seattle Central College offers training in the construction and repair of watercraft and their onboard systems to prepare you for a rewarding career in the industry.

The Wood Technology Center at Seattle Central College provides safe and comprehensive hands-on training in boatbuilding, repair/retrofitting and systems maintenance. You’ll learn repair and construction principles behind both traditional and modern boat building. You’ll complete supervised projects and gain plenty of hands-on experience working with both wood and fiberglass components.

Credential: YES

AAS - Boatbuilding and Repair
You could earn this Associate of Applied Science in as little as five quarters.

Careers for Boat Building and Repair grads:  
Commercial and Pleasure Boatbuilding Shops, Repair Yards, Yacht Interior Joinery, Mechanical & Electrical Systems Installation and Repair.

Equity Lens:

Yes, they want more students of color, and  youth, and women in the program; DEI is on the Dean’s radar. Has seen good LGBTQ representation in the program, as it's considered a “safe” place.  Outreach person from PACT program can help. Did a lot of women-focused presentations and trade shows, many pre-COVID. Attending an online trade show this winter put on by Skills Center. 

Seattle Promise Program could help – free tuition, any student from Seattle public school can get 2 years of free college tuition at state schools.

Seattle Maritime Academy – partners with North SC, although closer to Wood Technology Center

Shoreline Community College

Address:

16101 Greenwood Avenue N
Shoreline, WA 98133
(206) 546-4101

www.shoreline.edu

Contact:

Kory Dean, Associate Faculty
Science Division
(206) 546-4567
[email protected]

Wanda Waldrop
Career Navigator
Manufacturing Division
(206) 533-6679
[email protected]

Overview of Services:

Prepare for entry into the high‑demand job market for CNC Machinists or Mechatronics. Train on current technology and choose from morning, afternoon or evening tracks.

Credential: YES

Skagit Valley College

Contact Information:

Mike Beemer
Department Chair
Marine Maintenance Technology
(360) 766-6282

Address:

Anacortes Campus
606 R Avenue
Anacortes, WA 98221

Web Address(es):

www.skagit.edu/academics/areas-of-study/industrial-technology-transportation/ 

Overview of Services:

Learn the skills and receive the training you need to launch your career in the recreational boat and ship repair, and maintenance industries in the school of Marine Maintenance Technology. Training with a faculty of industry experts, you’ll work and learn in a purpose-built professional facility, preparing you to work as a technician on recreational and commercial vessels in this high demand industry.

For those interested in the new field of sustainable maritime careers, this program is one of the best local schools to learn innovative new techniques.

Certification:

Credential: YES

AAS Degrees
Marine Maintenance Technology
Marine Technician 

Certificate Options
Marine Electrical Technician Certificate
Marine Mechanical Technician Certificate

Equity Lens:

N/A

South Puget Sound Community College

Address:

2011 Mottmann Road SW
Olympia, WA 98512
(360) 596-5200 

https://spscc.edu/

Contact:

Daniel Main, Professor
Welding Program
(360) 596-5312
[email protected]

Overview of Services:

Start a career in a growing industry that employs nearly 10,000 people in Washington State alone. 

Our Welding Technology program pairs you with some of the best training equipment on the market used by the best fabrication shops in the industry. You’ll earn real, hands-on experience when it comes to using high-tech equipment to solve problems in a dynamic industrial environment.

Credential: YES

AAS - Welding Technology Degree (6 quarters = 4 academic classes)

Certificates:

  • Basic Welding Skills
  • Shielded Metal Arc Welding 
  • Gas Metal Arc Welding 
  • Flux Cored Arc Welding 
  • Gas Tungsten Arc Welding 

WABO Welding Certificate: 
Stands for WA Association of Building Officials. This is an industry certification common in construction industry.

Equity Lens:

Welding department doesn’t have resources to recruit target groups, but welcomes everyone. School does outreach and marketing overall. 

Demographics: Typical. Mirror the population of local area. All ethnicities. Many women in program, relatively speaking.

South Seattle College/ Welding Fabrication Technology

Address:

6000 - 16th Avenue SW 
Seattle, WA 98106
(206) 934-6684

www.southseattle.edu/programs/welding

Contact:

Professional & Technical Department
(206) 934-5394 or (206) 934-5387
[email protected]

Overview of Services:

The Welding Fabrication Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program provides training in all aspects of welding and fabrication operations, including blueprint reading, planning operation sequence, applying geometry, heat effects and metal properties, layout, positioning, fitting, welding and material handling.

Graduates are prepared for positions such as welders, fabricators, shop supervisors, estimators and shop owners in boatbuilding, automotive, machine fabrication, commercial fishing gear, piping systems, and building construction and maintenance. This program prepares students to pass welder certification tests through the Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO).

Credential: YES

AAS Welding Fabrication Technology 
AAS-T Welding Fabrication Technology 

Certificate - Welding Fabrication Technology

Spokane Community College

Address:

1810 N Greene Street
Spokane, WA 99217
(509) 533-8400

www.scc.spokane.edu

Contact:

Travis Green, Instructor
HVAC & Refrigeration
(509) 533-7156
(509) 699-8059 cell
[email protected]

John Norman, Instructor
Hydraulic & Pneumatic Automation Technician - AAS
Hydraulic & Pneumatic Automation Technician - Certificate
(509) 768-2593
[email protected]

Overview of Services:

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC/R)

Hydraulic and Pneumatic Automation Technology

Welding and Fabrication

Credential: YES

AAS - HVAC/R

AAS - Hydraulic and Pneumatic Automation Technician

Certificate - Hydraulic and Pneumatic Automation Technician

Transferable skills, but no maritime-specific courses.

Equity Lens:

SCC is focused heavily on pathways for underserved students.  It is one of our core missions and always a major topic of discussion from administration. 

Our students have much more diversity when compared to the last Spokane census data at large.  One of our focuses lately has been recruiting more women into the field.  We plan on exploring potential recruitment strategies when things get back to normal again. 

Anecdotally I can tell you that a significant number of my students are the first in their families to attend college.  It is one of my favorite things to see them graduate and see their pride in what they have accomplished.

University of Washington - College of the Environment

Address:

1122 NE Boat Street
Seattle, WA 98195
(206) 543-7426

[email protected]
www.marinebiology.uw.edu

Contact:

Joe Kobayashi
Marine Biology Advisor
[email protected]

Overview of Services:

Explore the diversity of marine life in the field, lab, and classroom. Focus your college education with our innovative academic programs. BS degree in Marine Biology is unique collaboration between the School of Oceanography and the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, in partnership with the Friday Harbor Laboratories, a marine field station. Students can spend 3-5-10 weeks on site here.

Try our newest offering:  GEODUC - Marine Geoscience Education, Oceanographic Discovery, Undergraduate Collaboration. The UW College of the Environment offers a unique, two-week immersive experience for incoming transfer students on board our research vessel and at our marine field facilities.  You’ll receive hands-on training and create an independent research project to answer your own questions. All expenses are covered. In addition, you’ll receive a stipend of $1,400. No experience necessary, come join us!

Credential: YES

  • Marine Biology: BS degree, or minor.
  • Aquatic Fisheries and Sciences (AFS): BS, MS, PhD.
  • Oceanography: BS and graduate.
  • Marine and Environmental Affairs: Graduate only, MMA-Masters in Marine Affairs (Policy).

Equity Lens:

Diversity in Marine Biology is less, compared to other programs. Want to increase diversity of incoming students. Best onboarding opportunity is via transfer students from 2-yr colleges as more affordable path--strengthen this.

Got grant for “bridge program” for students moving from community college to UW. GEODUC: 10-day summer program to ease transition. All expenses paid + $1,400 stipend. Hands-on field work with faculty that continues into their 1st year, helps develop skills and context. Helps students understand context in their own communities. Cohort will define their issues. Smaller “college community" with smaller meetings.

University of Washington College of the Environment - Washington Sea Grant

Address:

Washington Sea Grant
3716 Brooklyn Avenue NE
Seattle, WA 98105
(206) 543-6600

[email protected]
www.wsg.washington.edu

Contact:

Russell Callender, Director
(206) 685-9215
[email protected]

NOAA - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Sea Grant Office

Overview of Services:

Washington Sea Grant (WSG) envisions healthy, productive and resilient coastal and marine ecosystems that sustain Washington’s rich cultural and maritime heritage, vibrant coastal communities, clean waters and beaches, prosperous fisheries and aquaculture, diverse wildlife and an engaged public. The WSG mission is to help people and marine life thrive by supplying research, technical expertise and educational activities that support the responsible use and conservation of ocean and coastal ecosystems. WSG offers fellowships for graduates to do research projects to get experience, and also high school student outreach.  Coordinate with NOAA Junior Leadership program, in careers and pathways to marine science.  

Celebrating over 50 years of service in research, outreach and education. Washington Sea Grant continues to help people understand and address the challenges facing Washington’s ocean and coasts.

Walla Walla Community College

Address:

Walla Walla Campus
500 Tausick Way
Walla Walla, WA 99362
(209) 522-2500
(877) 992-9922

www.wwcc.edu

Contact:

Gwendolyn Dentinger
(509) 524-5189
[email protected]

Overview of Services:

The mission of the Welding program is to provide quality training for entry-level skills and the related technical knowledge necessary for entry and advancement in the metals welding industry.

Credential: YES

AAS - Welding Technology Degree

Certificate: Welding Technology

Wenatchee Valley College

Address:

Wenatchee Campus
1300 Fifth Street
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 682-6800

www.wvc.edu/academics/industrial-technology

Contact:

Zack Jacobson, Faculty
Industrial Technology Programs
(509) 682-6636
(509) 470-1165 cell
[email protected]

Overview of Services:

WVC’s Industrial Technology program offers a Welding and Fabrication 55-credit certificate and a certificate of completion. This training provides you with the skills to perform welding duties in construction, repair, maintenance and fabrication fields. Hands-on instruction is included in core welding techniques—including MIG and TIG and pipe welding—and in metal fabrication with a variety of materials. An industrial safety course includes training and certification in first aid/CPR, flagging, forklift/industrial truck operation, OSHA-10 and hazardous materials awareness. Students also receive practice in preparation for the Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO) welding certification exam.

The Industrial Technology - Electronics program provides training for maintenance electricians and electronics technicians within industrial facilities such as wood processing plants, agricultural food storage and processing warehouses, manufacturing plants and hydroelectric power facilities.  It also provides advanced-level training and skill improvement for plant electricians and other employees seeking to improve their work classification within their company on modern electronic circuits, programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and control systems.

Credential: YES

  • ATS Degree - Electronics
  • ATS Degree - Machining
  • Certificate of Completion  - Machining
  • AAS-T in Engineering Tech
  • Certificate - Drafting
  • Certificate - Welding and Fabrication
  • Certificate of Completion - Welding and Fabrication

*Also receive practice in preparation for the WABO welding certification exam.

Welding job opportunities: maritime, gas pipeline industry, construction, and aerospace.

Equity Lens:

Biggest outreach is becoming a certified Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). 40% Hispanic student body. Outreach to area high schools. Recruiting and career fairs and on advisory committees. 83% first generation college students. Some receive some sort of FA.

Western Washington University

Address:

Biology Department
College of Science and Engineering
516 High Street, Bldg. BI 315
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 650-3627

[email protected]
https://biology.wwu.edu
https://cenv.wwu.edu
https://marine.wwu.edu

Shannon Point Marine Center/WWU
1900 Shannon Point Road
Anacortes, WA 98221
(360) 650-7498
[email protected]

Contact:

Brian Bingham, Director
Marine and Coastal Science (MACS)
Shannon Point Marine Center/WWU
(360) 650-2845
[email protected]
[email protected]

Overview of Services:

Biology— Marine Emphasis, BS: Marine biology is the study of the structure and function of marine organisms and their relationship with the environment. The Biology – Marine Emphasis major provides a thorough introduction to the basic areas of biology and supporting sciences while allowing specialization in marine biology.

SAMPLE CAREER PATHWAYS: Marine Scientist Fisheries, Biologist, Ecologist, Conservation Biologist, Naturalist and Laboratory Technician.

In the heart of the Salish Sea, Western is in an ideal location for undergraduates studying marine sciences. Courses taught at Western’s Shannon Point Marine Center located in Anacortes, WA (about an hour from Bellingham).

Shannon Point Marine Center @ WWU - Our mission is to increase understanding of complex coastal and marine systems by integrating research with student-centered, immersive education, with a continuing commitment to diversity and mentoring.

Research Experiences for Undergraduates: Shannon Point Marine Center administers an NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program in marine science each summer. 

Credential: YES

  • BS - Biology with Marine Emphasis
  • BS - Environmental Science with Marine Science Emphasis
  • BS - Marine and Coastal Science (MACS)
  • Minor - in Salish Sea Studies
  • to teach students about the Salish Sea’s history, ecology, culture, and management complexities; an experiential complement to other majors including Marine Sciences, or Environmental Science and Policy. 

These degree programs are for students really interested in sciences, EPA, NOAA, tribes and natural resources, fishery observers, resource management.

Equity Lens:

Draw a few students from tribes, but they typically attend NW Indian College on Lummi reservation outside of Bellingham.
DEI is absolute priority for WWU and MACS – all documents include that criterion.  25% students of color & 50% first generation students. 

New for freshman year entry is Marine Scholars Program, focused on high achievers from diverse communities. 24 students live at Marine Center for one week before school starts. Learn to do research and meet faculty. Follow up with them throughout fresh, soph and jr. years.

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