Buoyant Beginnings
Pre-Apprenticeship

Summer 2025

We Float Boats!

Buoyant Beginnings provides you with skills and experience needed for entry-level work
in the marine service business. Marine Service Technicians are those who
build, maintain, and/or repair commercial or recreational boats up to 150 feet.

The Buoyant Beginnings Pre-Apprenticeship,
a partnership with Lummi Nation and the Whatcom Working Waterfront Foundation,
provides specific training to help launch your career in the Marine Service sector.

Application due date: May 30, 2025

The upcoming summer session is July 7–August 15, 2025. This 6-week paid summer training program, focusing on three areas of growth:

  • Professional Development

  • Skills Training

  • Employment Readiness 

The program begins in the classroom where participants work hands-on to explore critical skills for any Marine Technician and learn the professional skills to navigate the workspace. As the program continues, participants will be matched with a paid work experience position at one of the many companies and/or commercial fishing endeavors in Whatcom and Skagit Counties.

When is the program?

Before applying to this program please read the following prerequisites to make sure you’re eligible to participate.

  • Ages 18-24 (applicants must be 18 by the time the program begins on July 7, 2025)

  • Permanent Resident or U.S. Citizen legally entitled to work in the U.S.

  • Not enrolled in full-time studies (secondary or post-secondary)

  • Unemployed or Underemployed (less than 20 hrs/week)

  • Committed and willing to learn and get employed after training

Who’s Eligible?

  • Career assessment and exploration

  • Job search guidance, Employability tools (resume, cover letter, and interview preparation)

  • Supported transition into the Marine Service Tech job market

  • Certification provided for First Aid, Fall Protection, Spill Response, & Forklift Operation all of which are beneficial for entry level positions!

  • Tailored personal and safety supports

  • Work experience and wages during the entire program

  • Marine Service skills training applicable to dozens of trades in the U.S.

  • At the end of the program, you are eligible to continue working, earn a living wage, gain more skills, and participate in one of many official apprenticeship programs including the Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship.

What You’ll Gain

Technical Training Subjects

Click on each subject block for details

SAFETY

SAFETY

TOOLS

TOOLS

DESIGN

DESIGN

BUSINESS PRACTICES

BUSINESS PRACTICES

INSTALLATIONS

INSTALLATIONS

PAINT

PAINT

We extend our sincere gratitude to Quadrant Marine Institute for their expertise and dedication
in developing this comprehensive pre-apprenticeship program.
Their professional guidance has been instrumental in creating a pathway
to excellence in the marine industry.

Buoyant Beginnings Pre-Apprenticeship receives support and funding
from a U.S. Department of Labor Category 4 Apprenticeship Building America Grant,
visit: https://www.esd.wa.gov/about/stevens-amendment