The Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship, based in Bellingham Washington, is an official Registered Apprenticeship program that provides training for Marine Service Technicians (MST) as defined by the U.S. Dept. of Labor for those who build, fit, repair, maintain, and service commercial and recreational vessels up to 150 feet.
The marine trades businesses are in desperate need of trained workers in all skills connected with the boating industry. The gap between people getting ready to retire and people just starting their careers has widened. The NW Maritime Apprenticeship program allows marine industry businesses the opportunity to hire and then train workers through the Apprenticeship Program in a progressive manner, and it’s a great opportunity for employees to learn as they earn, while working at marinas, boatyards, and service repair shops.
The apprenticeship program operates under the Whatcom Working Waterfront Foundation (a 501c3 non-profit) at a training facility located at 708 Coho Way in Squalicum Harbor, Bellingham. The facility provides a large classroom and workshop space for the monthly hands-on workshops. Comprehensive instruction instills a foundational understanding of every part of the boat from bilge to bridge, and stem to stern, including electrical, mechanical, coatings, fiberglass, woodworking, and more. Classes are taught by experts in the industry.
The Program. The MST Training is delivered in 4 levels (1 level per year); work-based training is 80% on-the-job training, with 20% Related Supplement Instruction. The program accepts students already working in the maritime industry; students and employers can negotiate who pays for the training; the yearly tuition is $1,500 for the four-year program.
To apply for the program, applicants must be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma/GED and have an employer who can provide work-based learning experience located in one of nine counties – Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, Island, San Juan, King, Kitsap, Clallam, and Jefferson. Class work involves 60-90 minutes of reading and assignments per week plus one Saturday per month workshop. After successful completion of the four-year program, graduates earn a nationally recognized Journey-level Certification.
Upcoming Schedule for Level 1:
- September 2026 to April 2027, Tuesday nights 5:30pm to 7:30pm PST
- One Saturday Workshop per month
- A detailed schedule will be available in August 2026
For more information about the Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship Program, see www.waterfrontfoundation.org or call 360-820-9135.
Header Photo Credit: Hope Rasa
Text Photos: Sierra Oliver, Program Dir.
