Anchored in Opportunity: Wrangell Maritime STEAM Fest Sets Sail

T3 Alaska, in Partnership with Alaska Workforce Alliance, hosted the second of three spring Maritime STEAM Fests in Wrangell on March 28-29, 2025. Each event is designed to inspire and educate students about careers on the water and the Wrangell STEAM Fest did not disappoint!

Around forty-five students had high energy as they learned about maritime careers from Jamie Trapp, Alaska Workforce Alliance. In her presentation she provided an insightful overview of maritime careers, skills and industry pathways. Opening up the session to Q&A, the students asked intelligent questions like, “How long does it take to become a captain?” The session ended on a fun note, with flag identification exercises and nautical terms matches.

After lunch, seventeen students headed to the Wrangell Shipyard where professionals dry dock and service vessels. This dock has large economic activities where boats are launched and repaired for the entire region. In addition, there are facilities to build and repair wooden boats, which is a rare opportunity to see this art form of boat.

The adventure didn’t stop there, as the group met John Archambeau from the Alaska Marine Highway System. He led the group through an informative narration about careers on a boat, and how students could start their coursework in high school and be ready at graduation for solid careers that can level up in any area of interest. The students practiced how to haul and throw monkey ropes, which was more challenging than expected, but also really fun and a great learning moment.

Saturday offered more hands-on work at community partner the Canoe Lagoon Oyster farm owned by Brian Hermans. The Canoe Lagoon Oyster farm is one example of small business and entrepreneurial endeavors who need skilled labor to expand capacity. The student learned how to build an oyster bag using. Engineered through the design thinking process, the students produced several bags with simple materials – a plastic mesh bag, a few pool noodles and some zip ties.

Students who attend a Maritime STEAM Fest are qualified to continue their maritime education through an online 2 credit course, Introduction to Maritime Trades and complete industry recognized credentials at a week-long maritime intensive in Anchorage. This collaboration has been made possible by the Alaska Marine Highway System and the professional development support of the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Works.