MARAD Designates 32 Centers of Excellence to Boost Maritime Workforce Training and Education
Posted by Business Today on biztoday.us
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) has recently announced the selection of 32 centers of excellence (CoE) dedicated to enhancing domestic maritime workforce training and education. These CoEs are aimed at supporting post-secondary maritime training programs that equip students with the necessary skills for successful careers in the maritime industry.
Elevating Maritime Education Standards
Under Section 51706 of title 46 United States Code, the secretary of transportation holds the authority to designate a domestic maritime training and education facility as a “center of excellence” based on its track record of successful training programs and other qualifying factors. The recent designations reflect the outstanding education and training standards maintained by these institutions.
Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips emphasized the significance of these designations, stating, “Our centers of excellence designations recognize the high standards of maritime education and training provided by these organizations. These institutions play a critical role in providing domestic mariners with the expertise needed to best serve the maritime industry.”
Nationwide Reach
The newly designated CoEs are spread across 17 states, as well as Guam, with a total of 50 maritime training locations. This ensures that aspiring mariners from various regions have access to top-notch training opportunities.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg acknowledged the importance of a skilled maritime workforce, stating, “Our country depends on a highly-skilled mariner workforce to strengthen both our economy and our national security. The 32 Centers of Excellence we’re designating today will promote training opportunities outside of traditional four-year degree programs and will bring more Americans into these great maritime careers.”
Promoting Training Opportunities
In July, MARAD initiated a solicitation for applications, seeking collaborations with outstanding maritime training entities. The selection of these 32 CoEs demonstrates MARAD’s commitment to expanding training options beyond conventional degree programs and inviting more individuals to pursue rewarding careers in the maritime industry.
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