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

March 8, 2024

The èßäÊÓÆµ 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 èßäÊÓÆµ Maritime Education Consortium includes six academic institutions:

èßäÊÓÆµ Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC), Seward

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

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

"This designation, awarded to the èßäÊÓÆµ 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 èßäÊÓÆµ has a skilled workforce," said University of èßäÊÓÆµ 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 èßäÊÓÆµâ€™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 èßäÊÓÆµ to train èßäÊÓÆµns to work in in-demand jobs across the state.