Have you tried to find an electrician lately? Or a plumber? Or a carpenter? If you have, then you know they’re in short supply. Analysts estimate that by 2028, three million jobs in the skilled trades will be going unfilled.
Skilled marine work is no exception to this trend. But SoundWaters, the nonprofit organization devoted to protecting Long Island Sound through education, sees a chance to make a difference.
On Thursday, October 26, Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons visited the Harbor Corps marine jobs training program at the Cohen SoundWaters Harbor Center in John J. Boccuzzi Park. Harbor Corps is a four-month training program that prepares high school graduates 18-26 for entry level jobs in the marine trades. Learning from experienced industry professionals, members learn the technical skills most sought in marine mechanics and technicians, such as carpentry, welding, and engine repair.
The Mayor spoke with each trainee in turn, and praised the program’s role in filling a critical workforce gap. “I have to tell you, I talk to businesses all the time, and these are the skills that are so needed,” she noted. “I think it’s just wonderful, the breadth of training here.”
Also visiting were David Luftig and Bryson Thomas, recent Harbor Corps graduates now employed at Hinckley Yacht Services in Stamford, accompanied by Hinckley General Manager Peter Manion. In addition to the purely technical training provided, Harbor Corps also helps members connect with marine employers.
“I had some carpentry experience before I came here, but I didn’t know anything about fiberglassing or engine repair or welding or anything like that,” explained Luftig. “You learn all that and on top of that, they help you with resumes. You can’t ask for anything better than that. They do everything short of handing you the actual job itself.”
The present Harbor Corps cohort will complete their training in December, with classes beginning for the next group in January. Harbor Corps members train on-site at the Cohen SoundWaters Harbor Center from 9 am to 3 pm, Monday through Friday, for the duration of the program, taking advantage of the building’s harborside location.
For more information about Harbor Corps, please contact Michael Bagley, Vice President for Programs at SoundWaters, at mbagley@soundwaters.org; Harbor Corps Director David Williams at dwilliams@souondwaters.org; or see https://SoundWaters.org//HarborCorps.
Photo shows: Mayor Caroline Simmons (fourth from left) visits the Harbor Corps marine job training program at SoundWaters in Stamford, joined by Hinckley Yacht Services General Manager Peter Manion (second from left) and recent Harbor Corps graduates David Luftig (far left) and Bryson Thomas (third from left). The Mayor’s October 26 visit was hosted by Harbor Corps Director David Williams (center) and SoundWaters Vice President for Programs Michael Bagley (far right). [Photo: Hilary Starks]