The following is the text of a news release from San Jacinto College:
(PASADENA, Texas) — Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Andres Alcantar recently visited the San Jacinto College maritime training center to present a $368,173 Skills Development Fund grant for maritime job training.
The TWC Skills Development Fund grant will fund training for 195 mariners from Buffalo Marine Services, G&H Towing Co., Higman Barge Lines Inc. and J.A.M. Distributing. Since the start of the San Jacinto College maritime program in 2010, approximately 2,500 U.S. Coast Guard certificates have been awarded to mariners. Having a local maritime training center saves companies travel expenses. In the past, mariners were sent out of state for similar training.
“Skills grants deliver customized training solutions that help Texas employers and workers succeed in the marketplace,” said Alcantar. “This investment builds not only employee skills, but the capabilities of our community colleges to the benefit of employers and the community. We are pleased to make this investment.”
Alcantar also toured the college’s interactive bridge simulators, which are used to train students for a variety of sea conditions. In the near future, San Jacinto College will expand its maritime training program with the opening of a 45,000-square-foot Maritime Training Center along the Port of Houston. In addition to the professional mariner training, the college offers an associate of applied science degree in maritime transportation, an associate of applied science degree in international business logistics and supply chain management, and an Introduction to Ships and Shipping course with an articulation agreement with Texas A&M University at Galveston.
"It is through support from the Texas Workforce Commission that we can offer our local maritime companies training for their employees, and allow them to grow their business and keep the Port of Houston one of the world's largest and busiest ports for importing and exporting," said Dr. Brenda Hellyer, San Jacinto College chancellor. "We thank the Texas Workforce Commission for its support for our maritime training program, for our local mariners and maritime companies, and for the growth of our region."
For more information about maritime training and degree program at San Jacinto College, visit sanjac.edu/maritime.
