Charting a Course: How Seattle Maritime Academy Paves the Way for Career Success
Embarking on a rewarding career in the maritime industry doesn't have to come at the cost of burdensome student debt. Nestled in Ballard, just a few minutes from downtown Seattle, is the Seattle Maritime Academy, where aspiring mariners find a path to success without the financial strain. With a commitment to delivering top-notch maritime education, this renowned institution offers students a chance to launch their careers in a thriving industry.
Meet Colette Royer, a determined young woman attending Seattle Central College's Seattle Maritime Academy, who is setting her sights on becoming a Washington state ferry captain. Colette's journey is a testament to the academy's comprehensive training programs, which equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in maritime professions. Through the academy's support, Colette is set to graduate debt-free and step into a fulfilling career.
“I’m going to leave the program with no student debt and pretty much a career after I graduate.”
Watch Colette’s story below.
Seattle Maritime Academy
Seattle Maritime Academy takes pride in preparing the next generation of skilled mariners who will play vital roles in various sectors of the maritime industry, ranging from ferries and fishing vessels to tugboats and tankers. The academy's comprehensive one-year certificate programs prioritize immersive, hands-on training and practical experiences on the water. With a focus on individualized attention, students benefit from small class sizes and receive personalized education from instructors approved by the US Coast Guard, who themselves are seasoned professional mariners with extensive industry knowledge and expertise.
In recent years, the maritime industry has witnessed a significant influx of retirement cases among its workforce, creating a surge in entry-level job opportunities both locally and globally. This presents an opportune moment to embark on a maritime career. Graduates of Seattle Maritime Academy find themselves in high demand, with a majority securing employment immediately upon program completion. The academy's commitment to producing industry-ready professionals ensures that graduates are well-equipped to meet the demands of the job market and excel in their chosen maritime pathways.
If you are thinking about a career in maritime, or know someone who is, check out Seattle Maritime Academy.
To learn more about Colette’s story and read how colleges, employers, and the State of Washington are working to connect people with living wage careers in maritime, read the Seattle Time’s recent article, Explore maritime careers for a big pay off.
Next month, we’ll feature the Marine Maintenance Technology Program at Skagit Valley College in Anacortes and get to know more about those Scallywags.
