Whatcom Working Waterfront Foundation

08/21/2026

Buoyant Beginning Pre-Apprentices recently put their skills and knowledge into action through a service project with the Washington Climate Corps Network, demonstrating how six weeks of hands-on learning can contribute to climate resilience in our maritime environment.

On Saturday, August 15, five pre-apprentices volunteered at the 10th Annual Reefnet Festival on Lummi Island, an all-day celebration of reefnetting—a sustainable fishing method rooted in the Salish Sea.

From welcoming festivalgoers as “recycle hosts” and serving food to staffing the event booth, these young adults stepped up, worked as a team, and applied what they’ve learned in meaningful ways.

We’re excited to see our pre-apprentices connecting workforce development,
environmental stewardship, and community service—and putting climate resilience into action.

Learn more about the Washington Climate Corps Network at https://climatecorps.wa.gov/

08/19/2026

We're proud to celebrate 18 young adults who just graduated from our second year of the Buoyant Beginnings Pre-apprenticeship program. Congratulations to this incredible group for putting in the work and taking their first steps into the marine trades. The future of our industry is in great hands!

Our graduation ceremony was made extra special with Port of Bellingham Commissioners and Lummi Nation Council members joining us to help present certificates to our participants. We're honored by their continued support and partnership in growing the next generation of marine trades talent.

And huge thanks to our 13 partner companies for opening their doors and providing work experience to these amazing individuals!

08/17/2026

Last week, Program Director Sierra Oliver and one of our Buoyant Beginnings pre-apprentices headed over to the Community Boating Center - Bellingham to spend the afternoon with their interns!

The group dove into hands-on activities in the marine trades, learning about the wide range of long-term career opportunities available in the maritime sector. They also learned the importance of wearing appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) to stay safe on the job.

Thank you to the team at the Community Boating Center for hosting us!

08/04/2026

The 4th and final week of in-class instruction for Buoyant Beginnings is officially complete!

Our students earned their CPR and First Aid certifications through Backcountry Medical Guides' ten-hour training, and learned essential spill response protocol from Marine Spill Response Corporation. Safety first — always!

And they closed out the week in the best way possible — putting their professional development skills to the test on Interview Day! 13 companies from all around the waterfront showed up to meet our pre-apprentices, each one volunteering to host a student for the next two weeks. Every single student went through 8 interviews in one afternoon — talk about hustle! We are so incredibly proud of how far these students have come and can't wait to see them shine in their placements.

A huge thank you to our safety instructors and employer partners of this week!

NW Explorations marine
Lummi Island Wild
Auxiliary Engine and Generator Service
Whatcom Working Waterfront Coalition
Epic Yacht Services
Pacific Marine Yacht Systems
Performance Fiberglass
Top to Bottom
Barlean’s Fishery
Marine Spill Response Corporation
Community Boating Center - Bellingham

Bellingham Marine Repair

07/28/2026

Buoyant Beginnings — Week 3 Recap!

What a week for our pre-apprentices! Between industry tours, job shadows, and hands-on classroom learning, they're building real momentum. A huge shoutout to Talia and Ben, graduates of the Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship at Pacific Marine Yacht Systems, and Claire, a graduate of last year's Buoyant Beginnings cohort — thank you for sharing your experience with our next generation!

The learning didn't stop there: students earned their Forklift Certification with Safety Dave from Safety West Coast Services and got a crash course in engines from Howard Hawke and marine systems from Parker Armstrong. They also sharpened their professional development skills, working on resumes to help set themselves up for success. Week by week, these students are leveling up and getting closer to joining the pros!

Special Thanks for our many partners for Week 3:
Auxiliary Engine and Generator Service
Bellingham Marine Repair
NW Explorations
Performance Fiberglass
Backcountry Medical Guides
Pacific Marine Yacht Systems
Armstrong Marine Services
San Juan Sailing and Yachting
Safety West Coast Services
LFS Distribution Center
Epic Yacht Management
Lummi Island Wild
Barlean’s Fishery

07/24/2026

For the last few months, something exciting has been quietly taking shape at 708 Coho Way: the Maritime Library! We been growing our educational reach by collecting books from the community — all things maritime.

Read more about our newest Foundation Feature here -

For the last few months, something exciting has been quietly taking shape at 708 Coho Way: the Maritime Library! The Whatcom Working Waterfront Foundation has been growing our educational reach by collecting books from the community — all things maritime.

07/21/2026

Week Two of Buoyant Beginnings: In the Books!

Another incredible week is on the books for our pre-apprentices — and they're diving in deeper than ever! With hands-on experience at an all-time high, these students are learning straight from the pros: instructors from all corners of the waterfront are bringing real-world skill and passion right to the docks.

Two weeks down, and the momentum is only building. Stay tuned — big things ahead for Buoyant Beginnings!

A special thanks to our partners for week 2:
Pacific Marine Yachts Systems - Ben Oliver
AkzoNobel - Dave Atwater
Salish Center for Sustainable Fishing Methods - Riley Starks
Lummi Indian Business Council - Vanessa Cooper & Team

07/18/2026

Whether you’re already working in the industry and want to expand your skills, an employer investing in your team’s training, or someone ready to begin a career in the marine trades—the Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship is here for you.

Don’t miss your chance—enrollment is still open for our next Level 1 Cohort starting September 12!

✔ 4-year state-registered apprenticeship training Marine Service Technicians
✔ Earn while you learn: on-the-job training + weekly evening classes & one Saturday a month (Sept–April)
✔ Employers welcome: open to marine service & boat building companies in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, Island, San Juan, Kitsap, Jefferson, Clallam, and King County

Eligibility:
18 years or older
High school diploma or GED
Must be employed by a marine service or boat building company

Contact [email protected] to learn more and secure your spot today! https://www.waterfrontfoundation.org/northwest-maritime-apprenticeship

The Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship, a four-year, state-registered apprenticeship training Marine Service Technicians.A Marine Service Technician (MST) is a skilled tradesperson who builds, maintains and/or repairs vessels up to 150’. They work in marinas, boatyards, service centers, and special...

07/14/2026

Buoyant Beginning's has kicked off! This year's cohort of 20 students have officially completed their first week of classes, industry tours, and workshops. Wish them luck on week 2!

Thank you to all of our partners from Week 1:
Community Boating Center - Bellingham
Gato Verde Adventure Sailing
Seaview Boatyard
Birdon
All American Marine
San Juan Cruises
Trident Seafoods
The Landings at Colony Wharf, LLC
Washington Sea Grant