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WSF steps up recruiting and training, offers MiTAGs scholarships and apprenticeships
Summary
WSF described efforts to recruit and train deck and engineering staff, including apprenticeships, engine‑room internships with Seattle Maritime Academy and a 12‑person MiTAGs scholarship cohort beginning January under a two‑year training plan.
Washington State Ferries officials described multiple workforce initiatives aimed at expanding and promoting career pathways for deck and engineering positions.
Nicole McIntosh described recent outreach including a career day at Eagle Harbor that hosted more than 100 high school students, engine‑room internships with Seattle Maritime Academy, and ongoing apprenticeships. She said WSF is recruiting for a 12‑person scholarship cohort through MiTAGs (Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies) to train people with no maritime experience as licensed deck officers in a two‑year program that begins in January; the application window runs June 1 through July 1 and requires applicants be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED and able to obtain required credentials.
Officials said hiring has improved for entry‑level deck roles and that the agency is shifting emphasis toward engineering hires and internal promotion pipelines (wiper‑to‑oiler and AB‑to‑mate development programs). Assistant Secretary Steve Nevi and Nicole both stressed promotion and paid training to reduce the bottleneck between entry‑level hires and certified licensed positions.
