Pacific Marine Expo (PME) is set to welcome roughly 110 local high school students to the first two days of this year’s show, providing them an opportunity to immerse themselves in the commercial marine industry. Students will get the chance to explore the show floor, gaining valuable firsthand insights and interacting with industry professionals.
On the show’s opening day, Wednesday, November 8th, 40 Maritime High School seniors will gather in Conference Room 2 at 10:30 am. PME Show Director, Bob Callahan will provide opening remarks to students and educators, followed by the Port of Seattle’s Senior Manager of Fishing & Commercial Vessel Services, Rut Perez-Studer. Once the presentations conclude, students will break into smaller groups before venturing out onto the show floor.
Day two of the show will welcome 70 seniors from Bothell, Edmonds, and Northshore High Schools, as part of the Washington Alliance for Better Schools (WABS). Presentations by Nate Clemmons of Western Towboat Company and Stephanie Gullickson of Elliott Bay Design Group will offer students an inside look at what their futures could hold in the maritime industry.
“WABS is very excited to announce the first annual ‘WABS Day’ at the Pacific Marine Expo at Lumen Field,” a WABS representative said. “Seniors from Northshore School District, Mukilteo School District, and Edmonds School District will spend the day learning about careers in the maritime field by meeting with industry professionals. This is all thanks to collaborative efforts by WABS, Saunderson Marketing Group, Collage Success Foundation, and the Propellor Club”
In an industry grappling with workforce shortages, this hands-on approach provides an excellent opportunity to expose the younger generation to what they can expect in their future careers.
“A big thank you from Inglemoor High School’s AVID program to the organizers of the Pacific Marine Expo and the WABS for providing our students with the opportunity to learn about our regions Maritime Industry. Connecting young people to industry leaders and workers is powerful. These opportunities enable young people to see futures they had previously not imagined,” an Inglemoor educator noted in anticipation of this year’s show.
After exploring the show floor, students will have the chance to meet with the U.S. Coast Guard and participate in a survival suit demonstration. This interactive experience not only educates but also provides an enjoyable time trying on the survival suits. It is just one of the expereinces they'll have at PME, where they'll be exposed to the people, products and innovations that are set to make a positive impact on their future career choices.
