Port of Seattle investing in summer jobs for youth in aviation, maritime, and construction trades

The Port of Seattle is investing in summer jobs for 220 youth who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Opportunity Initiative will connect youth between the ages of 16 and 24 with paid learning opportunities designed to build skills to succeed in the workplace, create learning opportunities that connect young people to a long-term career path in a port-related industry, strengthen community, and support young people and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our COVID-19 regional recovery strategy connects the most vulnerable and impacted communities to job opportunities available in Port-related industries. Under-served youth need jobs more than ever now, not just to begin developing their own careers but to support their families,” said Commissioner Stephanie Bowman. “At the same time, employers face unprecedented economic and operational challenges, this Port initiative and our partners can help lower those barriers for 220 youth eager to work in Port-related industries.”

The $1.5 million initiative provides funding and support to five local non-profit organizations: The Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC), Partners in Employment (PIE), Seattle Goodwill, Seattle Parks Foundation, and Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle.

These five community-based organizations specialize in educational opportunities, cultural enrichment, mentorship, and career readiness training in port-related industries: aviation, maritime, construction trades, and green careers. The Opportunity Initiative offers youth the opportunity to explore career interests, develop work-readiness skills, and strengthen civic and leadership abilities.

This article originally appeared on the Port of Seattle.