All Aboard! Maritime Career STEAM Fest Landed in Sitka
On Monday, March 10, 2025 students in Sitka attended a dynamic STEAM Fest focused on maritime careers, hosted at the University of Alaska Sitka campus. The event – one of several planned by T3 Alaska and the Alaska Workforce Alliance – aimed to raise awareness of maritime career opportunities and provide students with a pathway to earn college credit and industry certifications. The event featured classroom presentations, a career panel, maritime professional booths and demonstrations, and a field excursion.
The career panel featured industry experts who shared insights and career advice: Paul Rioux (hydraulics expert, Easterly LLC), Kari Anderson (AVTEC maritime professional) and Eric Majeski (Research and Development Specialist, Allen Marine). They highlighted industry needs, shared personal career journeys, and encouraged students to explore maritime careers.
In addition to the career panel, professionals from Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association (NSRAA), Alaska Longline Fisherman’s Association (ALFA), Samson Tug and Barge, Alaska Maritime Highway System, University of Alaska Sitka Mariculture department, and Alaska Marine Safety Education Association (AMSEA). All of these organizations supported and informed the students of opportunities they offer in the maritime industry.
In the classroom classroom sessions, students participated in fun hands-on activities like knot tying activities and flag identification challenges. They also learned that by attending the maritime STEAM Fest, they pre-qualified to take a two-credit online course through the Prince WIlliam Sound College and a weeklong maritime intensive in Anchorage – both leading to a Merchant Mariner Card, a key step for high-paying maritime careers.
A highlight of the STEAM Fest was a behind-the-scenes excursion aboard the AMHS ferry Columbia and a tour of Allen Marine’s boatyard. Aboard the ferry, the group visited every part of the vessel and learned about the complexities of what it takes to run the Alaska Marine Highway System. The inquisitive group asked great questions and learned about logistical challenges like techniques to load and unload vehicles on the multiple stop voyage. Everyone was amazed at the anchor drop where the crew demonstrated how they test the car-sized anchor to ensure performance and safety. At Allen Marine, Vice President and Shipyard Manager Mike Miller led a tour of the shipyard, showcasing ships under repair and construction, and emphasizing how earning these basic certifications can lead to lucrative maritime careers.
This STEAM Fest was the first in a series of events designed to help students earn college credit and industry-recognized certifications. T3 Alaska will host two more STEAM Fests this spring, facilitate a two credit Introduction to Maritime Trades course through Prince William Sound College, and conclude with a week-long maritime intensive in Anchorage, where attendees will earn their TWIC card and apply for their Merchant Mariner Card. These career pathway programs are made possible by a partnership with the Department of Transportation and Public Works, supporting workforce development for the Alaska Marine Highway System.
