On the evening of Friday, May 1, the Squalicum Boathouse was filled with energy, pride, and celebration as more than 70 community members gathered for a truly historic moment, the inaugural graduation ceremony of the Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship.

This wasn’t just a graduation. It was a milestone for the maritime industry in the United States.

For the first time, three apprentices, Talia Piper, Ben Oliver, and Matthew Sutherland, officially completed a rigorous, state-registered program designed specifically to train professional Marine Service Technicians earning their Certificates of Completion. In doing so, they became among the first individuals in the country to earn this distinction through an apprenticeship program.

Building a Workforce, Building a Future

Launched in October 2022 by the Whatcom Working Waterfront Foundation, the Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship was created to address a critical workforce shortage in the marine trades. In addition, it was about building a sustainable, skilled workforce and creating meaningful career pathways in an industry that keeps our coastal communities running.

Over the past three and a half years, these graduates have completed more than 6,000 hours of on-the-job training and over 600 hours of classroom instruction, mastering skills across electrical systems, propulsion, composites, metals, and more.

This is not an easy path. It requires persistence, technical skill, and a deep commitment to the craft. And on May 1, that dedication was on full display.

A Night of Recognition and Community

The ceremony brought together apprentices, instructors, employers, policymakers, and supporters who have helped make the program possible.

Speakers included:

Port of Bellingham Commissioner Bobby Briscoe, an early champion of the program
Instructor Dave Atwater, representing the program’s 30+ instructors with more than 650 years of combined experience
State Representative Alicia Rule of the 42nd Legislative District, a strong advocate for workforce development
Apprenticeship Committee member Jen Haaland, a Master Technician who has worked closely with each apprentice

Each speaker reflected on the importance of hands-on training, mentorship, and the role apprenticeships play in strengthening industry and opportunity.

One especially meaningful moment came through a congratulatory video from Quadrant Marine Institute, the program’s Canadian partner. Their decades of experience training Marine Service Technicians helped inform and inspire the development of this program in Bellingham.

From Curiosity to Craft

The evening also highlighted the personal journeys behind the achievement.

Graduate Talia Piper shared remarks that captured the spirit of the cohort, what began as curiosity about how boats work grew into a career built on skill, confidence, and passion. Her story, like those of her fellow graduates, reflects the transformative power of apprenticeships.

More Than a Graduation

This inaugural class represents more than individual success; it marks the beginning of a new maritime workforce training in the United States.

The Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship is the first program training Marine Service Technicians as an apprenticeship model in the country, and these graduates are proof of what’s possible when industry, education, and community come together with a shared vision.

As the ceremony came to a close, one thing was clear: this is only the beginning.

With future cohorts already progressing through the program, and growing support from employers and partners, the foundation has been laid for a stronger, more resilient maritime workforce.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026

To Talia, Ben, and Matthew – congratulations on this incredible achievement. Your dedication, hard work, and passion have set the bar for all who follow.

You haven’t just completed a program.

You’ve made history.

Photo Credit - Dan Tucker

A Historic Night on the Waterfront: Celebrating the First Graduates of the Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship