Port of Redwood City Invests in the Future of the Maritime Workforce with San Mateo County Students at Career Event

A partnership between the Port of Redwood City (Port) and San Mateo County Office of Education (SMCOE) is growing the next generation of skilled maritime talent through hands-on outreach with local students. Through workforce partnerships and early career exposure, the Port is investing in future maritime professionals who will keep the Bay Area’s supply chain resilient, the economy moving and maritime operations sustainable.

On May 14, 11^th and 12^th grade students got an opportunity to explore real-world maritime career pathways with the professionals who power the industry. The event reinforced the Port’s long-term commitment to strengthening the Silicon Valley maritime ecosystem by linking education, industry and high-wage career opportunities.

Students heard from local maritime experts from the San Francisco Bay Ferry, International Longshore and Warehouse Union, Golden State Bridge Inc. and more, sharing their experiences across multiple disciplines like onshore and offshore jobs to scientific exploration and policy leadership.

Hands-on learning gave students a day-to-day look into careers that bring essential goods to homes and businesses across Silicon Valley. Students watched a live demonstration by maritime professionals building a barge and practiced a ship line-tying exercise, experiences that helped translate classroom learning into a tangible understanding of the skills, precision and teamwork that keeps maritime operations safe and efficient.

*Photo of11^th and 12th students watching a ship line-tying exercise from a Port of Redwood City maritime expert.

“We’re giving students early exposure to high-wage maritime career paths. These roles are essential to meeting long-term workforce needs in Silicon Valley and the broader Bay Area region,” shared Stan Maupin, Port of Redwood City chairman of the board of port commissioners.

*Photo of maritime industry professionals building a barge at wharf 5 at the Port of Redwood City.

Students left feeling inspired to join an industry that reinforces the power of building a stronger community through sustainable and economic means. They shared:

“It showed me way more opportunities that I have after high school, and it helped build on knowledge I already possessed on pile drivers. I am now more interested in working in some form of maritime trade.”  – Diego

“Careers at the Port can be life changing.” – Steven

“From the site tour to hands-on activities to learning of jobs and opportunities and upcoming goals and even lunch – everything was great. I loved and enjoyed everything.” – AJ 

“We’re eager to host similar events in the near future to inspire students to pursue a maritime career, one that contributes to a prosperous economy, has growth opportunities and builds a stronger foundation for the local community,” said Kristine Zortman, executive director at the Port. “This event gave us the chance to welcome students to the Port, introduce them to the people and work that keeps our cargo moving and reinforce the range of growth opportunities available in this key industry.”

For more information about the Port, visit redwoodcityport.com.