Representatives from three maritime workforce and professional development organizations took to the stage at Pacific Marine Expo 2021 to discuss programs they have been putting into place to help find, train and retain enthusiastic workers within the maritime industry. They talked through the initiatives they're focused on to help the younger generations set themselves up for success building a career on the water.

To get a better sense of what these insights looked like, we caught up with Bookda Gheisar, Deborah Granger and Jeb Towne to further explore what they discussed during their panel. Bookda provides leadership and strategic direction for the Port of Seattle’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts, both internal and external. In her role as the Program Manager for the Working Waterfront Coalition of Whatcom, Deborah has helped coordinate an effort to develop a Registered Apprenticeship Program for Skagit & Whatcom Counties. Jeb is the VP & CFO for Global Seas.

Listen to what each had to say about their panel, what more needs to be done to enable future Workforce Development Programs and more.