Buoyant Beginnings, a 6-week summer program for young adults ages 18–24, provides you with the skills and experience needed to enter the maritime workforce. Buoyant Beginnings offers you the perfect opportunity to explore, gain some basic skills, and prepare yourself to enter this exciting world of working in/on/around our waters. If you’ve always wondered what it’s like to work in careers involving our waters, this program is for you!
The first 4 weeks of this paid training program includes hands-on activities where you’ll learn skills such as:
* Professional workplace behaviors & employment readiness
* Safety (First Aid, Fall Prevention, Spill Response)
* Trade Skills (Forklift Certification, tools, marine systems, etc.)
* Job Shadows at 3 different worksites
The last 2 weeks you’ll be working with a mentor at a worksite (e.g., boat building, repair, maintenance, commercial fishing, seafood processing, aquaculture, etc.).
You’ll receive pay for this entire program, gain skills and experience, and have fun!
When you complete this 6-week summer program, you may be eligible to continue working and participating in an actual apprenticeship program such as the Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship. In this apprenticeship, you have the opportunity to earn a living wage AND learn from professionals in the industry. For more information, see www.waterfrontfoundation.org
Questions:
Lummi tribal members may reach out to Vanessa Cooper, Director of Workforce Development for Lummi Nation, VanessaC@lummi-nsn.gov PH: 360-312-2063;
Non-tribal youth, contact Deb Granger debgranger@waterfrontfoundation.org PH: 360-223-3994
Details:
When: Buoyant Beginnings runs Mon through Fri. from July 7 to Aug 15. The first 4 weeks is from 9a to 2:30p while the last 2 weeks follow the full-time hours of the worksite where you're placed.
Where: The first 4 weeks will take place mostly at 708 Coho Way in Squalicum Harbor, Bellingham. The last 2 weeks' location will vary depending on your worksite.
Who: Lummi Nation and Non-tribal young adults (ages 18-24 - Note: you must be 18 by July 7, the start of the course) in Whatcom and Skagit counties, unemployed or underemployed (working less than 20 hrs/week) are welcome to participate. We are looking for young adults who are willing to actively participate, listen, learn, and engage.
Application Process:
Step #1: Please read/review this information. If you have questions, please reach out to Vanessa Cooper or Deb Granger (contact information above). If this summer program sounds good to you, Please complete this application and hit SUBMIT.
Step #2: We'll contact you for a short interview. Note: you will be paid $40 to participate in this interview. Because the summer program is limited to 20 participants. We want to be sure this is a good fit for you and that you're willing to commit to the full 6 weeks.
Link to Application
