Students set sail to new careers through Maritime and Logistics Youth Expo

More than 500 Houston-area high school students and 35 industry partners visited the San Jacinto College Maritime Technology and Training Center for the annual Maritime and Logistics Youth Expo on April 29.

The Port of Houston Partners in Maritime Education Program supports the event, while San Jac, Harris County Precinct 2, the Houston Pilots, and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary serve as co-sponsors.

"Students have an opportunity to speak with academic, industry, and federal partners regarding maritime and logistics workforce opportunities right here on the water at San Jac," said Amy Arrowood, the College's director of maritime credit.

Jacquie Young-Hall, maritime education outreach manager at Port Houston, organizes the event each year.

"More than half of the current maritime workforce is over 50 years old and looking at retirement," Young-Hall said. "This event gives our industry partners access to recruit for entry-level positions, apprenticeships, and internships, filling in those gaps."

Over the last decade, Port Houston has invested more than $5 million in maritime education by collaborating with San Jac and other local academic partners. This program introduces an increasing number of young adults to port-related career opportunities and encourages higher education learning in maritime, logistics, and other industry-related fields of study.

"San Jac has been a pivotal partner in the Maritime and Logistics Youth Expo, hosting the event on campus each year," Young-Hall said. "We are thrilled to provide this opportunity to students in the region, opening their eyes to potential career paths."

To learn more about the San Jac maritime program, visit sanjac.edu/programs/areas-of-study/manufacturing/maritime/.