èßäÊÓƵ Maritime Education Consortium Is A 2024 Center Of Excellence For Domestic Maritime Workforce Training, Education

March 8, 2024

The èßäÊÓƵ Maritime Education Consortium was designated as a Center of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration. The designation recognizes and promotes support to post-secondary maritime training programs that prepare students for careers in the maritime industry.

The èßäÊÓƵ Maritime Education Consortium includes six academic institutions:

èßäÊÓƵ Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC), Seward

  • University of èßäÊÓƵ Fairbanks, Bristol Bay Campus, Dillingham ;
  • University of èßäÊÓƵ Anchorage, Kodiak Campus, Kodiak;
  • University of èßäÊÓƵ Anchorage, Kenai Peninsula College, Kachemak Bay Campus, èßäÊÓƵr;
  • University of èßäÊÓƵ Anchorage, Prince William Sound College, Valdez;
  • University of èßäÊÓƵ Southeast, Ketchikan.

èßäÊÓƵ Department of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner-Designee Cathy Muñoz said, "Maritime education and training is important for all of èßäÊÓƵ. I am proud of the work done by AVTEC and the University to provide nationally recognize training to èßäÊÓƵns in this important industry."

"This designation, awarded to the èßäÊÓƵ Maritime Education Consortium, recognizes the quality maritime programs being offered at UA and AVTEC and our shared mission with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to ensure èßäÊÓƵ has a skilled workforce," said University of èßäÊÓƵ President Pat Pitney. "Collectively, our programs in collaboration with AMEC affiliate partners reach every economic region of the state. As a consortium, we value our partnership with MARAD and are committed to increasing access to maritime career pathways and providing a workforce for this key economic sector to bolster èßäÊÓƵ’s economic recovery and growth."

The Center of Excellence designation, which is valid for five years, reflects the ongoing commitment of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the University of èßäÊÓƵ to train èßäÊÓƵns to work in in-demand jobs across the state.