Charting Your Course: Internship Opportunities at the Port of Seattle

The Port of Seattle offers a variety of internship programs designed to provide students and recent graduates with invaluable experience and a launchpad for their careers. These programs cater to diverse interests, from maritime careers to public service, and provide opportunities to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic environment. Whether you're a high school student exploring career options or a graduate student seeking professional experience, the Port of Seattle has an internship program to help you excel in your field.

General Internship Opportunities at the Port of Seattle

The Port of Seattle's Internship Program, established in 1963, is a cornerstone of its commitment to developing future talent. This program offers qualified candidates the chance to excel in their chosen field of study while contributing to real-world projects. These internships are designed to jumpstart careers by providing practical experience and professional development.

Eligibility:

To be eligible for these internships, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program, or recently graduated (less than 1 year ago). In some cases, students enrolled in relevant technical certificate programs may also be considered.
Considering a profession related to some aspect of the Port's business objectives. Generally, interns should be advanced enough in their educational programs to have begun taking courses in a field related to their work at the Port.

Application Timeline:

New college internships are posted throughout the year. Full-time summer internship opportunities generally post between late February and early May, while part-time fall internship opportunities generally post between late August and mid-September.

Youth Maritime Career Launch Program (YMCLP)

The Youth Maritime Career Launch Program (YMCLP) is a collaborative initiative between the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, the Port of Seattle, Sound Experience, Seattle Skills Center, and Compass Courses. This program is designed to introduce youth and young adults ages 18-24 to permanent employment opportunities within the maritime industry. The program aims to diversify the maritime workforce and provide young adults with entry-level jobs.

Program Overview:

The YMCLP is a 3-month paid internship that combines hands-on experiential learning with 1:1 networking opportunities. Participants receive industry-level training and employment, setting them on a path toward a maritime career.

Key Features:

Paid Internship: Participants receive an hourly stipend of up to $21.09 per hour and work a maximum of 35 hours per week during the 3-month internship period. Stipends are paid bi-weekly.
Job Readiness Skills: Participants are trained in essential job readiness skills to prepare them for the workforce.
Basic Safety Certifications: The program includes certifications in basic safety procedures and entry-level maritime skills.
Wrap-Around Services: Participants receive support services, including transportation assistance, work-related clothing, and access to safety gear/equipment.

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STCW Basic Safety Training (BST): Each participant completes a 5-day STCW Basic Safety Training course (BST) before the start of their internship. This Coast Guard-approved and International Maritime Organization standard training covers:
- Basic Firefighting (2 days): Covers the fundamentals of fire, how fire starts, how to extinguish shipboard fires and minimize the risk of fire in a safe controlled environment.
- Personal Survival Techniques (1 day): Learn, practice, and demonstrate skills needed for successfully using lifejackets, life rafts, and immersion (survival) suits.
- First Aid & CPR (1 day): Covers basic first aid and CPR (using an AED) while emphasizing techniques and methods used while at sea.
- Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR) (1 day): Provides real-word perspective of working on vessels that are crucial to a safe and healthy workplace. Topics covered includes emergency procedures, how to understand orders and be understood in relation to shipboard duties, preventing marine pollution, and observing safe working practices.
Introduction to Entry-Level Skills: Participants receive a week-long introduction to entry-level skills to prepare them for maritime careers.

Eligibility Requirements:

All program participants must be:

Between the ages of 18-24 years old at the start of the cohort
Able to work in the US legally
Able to pass a drug test
Have full COVID-19 vaccination

Application Process:

Enrollment for the Youth Maritime Career Launch Program is rolling, meaning students can apply at any time.

March - April: Applicant Interviews
Mid-May: Job Readiness/Training Workshops (3-5 weeks)
July - September: 3-Month Paid Internship
One cohort of 35 interns

Maritime Industry Jobs

The maritime industry offers a wide array of career opportunities, many of which do not require a college degree. These jobs range from on-the-water positions to land-based roles in marine construction, shipbuilding, and maritime law.

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Examples of Maritime Industry Jobs:

Cruise Ship Captain: The salary can range from $48,000 up to $200,000. However, on average, cruise ship captains earn around $96,000 per year.
Tugboat Engineer: In the state of Washington, Tugboat Engineers can make an average of $130,000 per year.
Shipyard Welder: In the state of Washington, shipyard welders can earn an average of $30 per hour or about $62,000 per year.
Marine Electrician: In the state of Washington, marine electricians make an average median salary of $96,000 per year and can earn up to $120,000 per year (top 20%).
Chief Mate: In the state of Washington state can earn an average salary $123,000 per year, while experienced chief mates in the industry (top 20%) can make up to $171,000 per year.
Able Seaman: In Washington state, Able Seamen can earn anywhere from $50,000 to $78,000 per year.
Ferry Pilot: A ferry pilot transports aircraft from one location to another.

Benefits of Internships at the Port of Seattle

Interning at the Port of Seattle offers numerous benefits, including:

Professional Experience: Interns gain real-world experience in their field of study, enhancing their skills and knowledge.
Career Advancement: The Port of Seattle offers a diverse field of opportunities for students of every level to pursue career advancement.
Networking Opportunities: Interns have the chance to network with industry professionals, building valuable connections for their future careers.
Personal Growth: Internships foster personal growth by challenging interns to step outside their comfort zones and develop new skills.
Financial Security: The Youth Maritime Career Launch program provides a pathway to financial security through paid internships and permanent employment opportunities.

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