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Enthusiasm for careers in maritime is very strong, as evidenced by a 100 percent graduation rate at the new Maritime High School (MHS), a regional choice public high school in Des Moines, WA. The school marked a historic milestone on June 18, 2025 with the graduation of its inaugural Class of 2025.
A collaborative project of Highline Public Schools, Northwest Maritime, Port of Seattle, and the Duwamish River Community Coalition, MHS’s educational approach combines traditional academics with hands-on maritime training, including off-campus learning experiences that provide real-world industry exposure.
MHS’s success comes at a crucial time for the maritime industry, which continues to face significant workforce shortages both ashore and afloat, the local “Waterland Blog” reports HERE. Industry experts predicted a global shortage of more than 150,000 qualified mariners by 2025, and recent trends indicate this challenge persists.
Last August 2024, Maritime High School announced the expansion of its maritime-focused curriculum with the addition of a third educational pathway, Marine Construction, which was made available to students entering grade 11 beginning with the 2024-25 school year. Other educational pathways students can explore include Marine Resources & Research and Vessel Operations, Design & Maintenance.
In grade 11, students at MHS are encouraged to select one of the three educational pathways, each of which yield college credits. In selecting Marine Construction, students will participate in a two-year program dedicated to mastering marine welding and shipyard skills. This new pathway provides students with the opportunity to receive hands-on shipyard training and earn a maritime shipyard welding certificate. Teachers, mentors and industry professionals will provide a well-rounded education plus the industry certifications necessary to jumpstart future career paths.
Students enrolled in the Marine Construction pathway will spend part of each day at a training center located at Seattle’s Harbor Island Shipyard and Training Center, which is jointly operated by Vigor Industrial Shipyards and South Seattle College. This pathway is funded through Running Start and funds raised by Northwest Maritime. Bus transportation is also provided.
“The Vigor/South Seattle College partnership is deeply valued at Vigor and is an important pipeline to bring us the future workforce we need,” said Ed Richardson, Operations Manager at Vigor Harbor Island. “This intensive six-month welding certification program prepares students with the complete certifications needed to be employable by Vigor or other employers in the maritime trades.”
The Marine Construction program aims to bolster Seattle’s maritime industry by preparing graduates who are well-equipped to meet the demands of this thriving field. The new program marks the third pathway now being offered to MHS students, following the success of the Marine Resources & Research and Vessel Operations, Design & Maintenance learning pathways.
The two-year Marine Resources & Research pathway integrates math, English, and marine science, with mentorship and work experiences through Highline College.
The Vessel Operations pathway allows 11th-and-12th-graders to complete Seattle Maritime Academy’s Marine Engineering Technology Program, earning college credits and industry recognized credentials.
When not participating in off-campus training and learning experiences, juniors and seniors in all three pathways work with MHS instructors on complementary projects, with a blend of academic and hands-on learning opportunities.
MHS prepares its graduates for maritime careers or post-secondary education opportunities. Students graduating from MHS will have the knowledge and credentials to enter the maritime industry earning an initial annual salary between $60,000 to $80,000.
“At Maritime High School, we are dedicated to providing our students with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in maritime careers. Our expanded curriculum, including the new Marine Construction pathway, ensures that our graduates are well-prepared to meet the growing industry demand for skilled professionals,” stated Maritime High School Principal Jamila Gordon. “We are committed to shaping the future of the maritime workforce and providing our students with unparalleled opportunities for success.” Maritime High School is currently accepting students entering grades 9-11. The school is open to any student who is interested in maritime studies, whether they live within Highline Public Schools boundaries or not. To learn more or apply to attend Maritime High School, visit maritime.highlineschools.org
