Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Workforce topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Port-sponsored HELM program showcases maritime career pipeline to commissioners
Summary
Port Canaveral staff and Rockledge High School students described the HELM maritime education program, its field trips, student outcomes and community partners at the April 23 Port Canaveral Authority commission meeting.
Raquel Mooney, a member of Port Canaveral Authority’s human resources department, introduced the HELM (Helping Educate Leaders in Maritime) program and asked commissioners to welcome students and staff from Rockledge High School.
The presentation outlined how the port and local partners support the program and the kinds of experiences it gives students.
The session matters to the port and the community because HELM is an industry pipeline: it exposes high school students to maritime careers, connects them with port employers and public safety agencies, and has produced students who are pursuing maritime internships and postsecondary study.
Mooney told commissioners that HELM “is supported by the port and the propeller club and many local community partners.” Emily Dyer, the program’s director and a maritime teacher at Rockledge High School, described two years leading the program and thanked Port Canaveral, Jacobs Engineering, harbor pilots and local public safety agencies for their participation. “The Port Authority has been a steadfast partner, ensuring the smooth operation of our facilities and dedicating their time to help our high schoolers grow and succeed,” Dyer said.
Students described field trips and hands-on activities. Christopher Atwood reported that the program began at Rockledge in 2015 and said Rockledge is currently the only school in Brevard County offering the maritime program. Atwood said the program has 135 students enrolled, with 32 students in levels 3 and 4; he also said one student is in a current maritime internship, two students will join related internships next school year, and one student will attend the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Student Carter Sullivan said the program gave him experiences beyond lectures, including field trips, and noted that he will enlist in the U.S. Army after graduation.
Multiple students described field trips to the U.S. Coast Guard, the cruise terminals, the port fire department and other port operations, and said guest speakers from Jacobs Engineering, Mercy Ships, port public safety and harbor pilots helped them understand career paths. Students credited the program’s hands-on projects — such as operating a crane simulator, building boats and a SeaPerch underwater ROV project — with expanding their career interests.
Commissioners and staff praised the program and said it provides useful community outreach and workforce development. Commissioner Jerry (last name not specified) who helped review ambassador program applications recommended continuing the junior ambassador portion of the program; other commissioners endorsed continuation and volunteered to lead specific field trips.
The presentation ended with thanks from students and staff and a note that the port, propeller club and other partners continue to support HELM activities.
The commission did not take a formal roll-call vote on HELM at this meeting; discussion produced a commission recommendation to continue the junior ambassador component and to keep port partners engaged.
