From Ripples to Waves: Buoyant Beginnings' Second Year Wrap-Up
Buoyant Beginnings Pre-apprenticeship’s second year is officially in the books — and what a summer it's been!
This year the pre-apprenticeship was completed by 18 young adults looking to break into the maritime industry. Backed by a powerhouse network of instructors and industry partners from across the waterfront, these students dove headfirst into hands-on workshops, worksite tours, job shadows, and a two-week work experience with our participating employers.
We're honored to share this program with Lummi Nation, and to know that our shared goal of preserving a workforce on the waterfront for future generations is deeply supported by our communities. Of the participants that enroll in each pre-apprenticeship cohort, half are tribal students and half are non-tribal, learning and working side by side. Last year's group set the tone with an environment built on collaboration, support, and respect — and this year's cohort carried that same standard forward.
Graduates of Buoyant Beginnings Pre-Apprenticeship 2026
Picture credit: Dan Tucker
About Buoyant Beginnings - What does it take to be a pre-apprentice?
The program centers around three core components: professional development, employability skills, and marine trades technical training. Each piece builds from foundational knowledge, to observing the trade in action, to actually doing the work themselves.
Completing this program takes real dedication and responsibility. Participants had to show up consistently, adapt to new environments, and hold themselves accountable in professional settings. The end goal is to introduce participants to everything the waterfront has to offer — that requires an open-mind, a willingness to try new things, and the courage to step outside their comfort zone.
Every participant who completed this program walked away with new skills, new relationships, and a firsthand look at a career path many hadn't considered before. They learned so much this summer, and they have every reason to be proud of what they accomplished.
Buoyant Beginnings Summer 2026 Recap video
Editing credit: Gina Finazzo
What Buoyant Beginnings means to the waterfront.
The Pre-Apprenticeship has the same goals as the Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship Program, but it looks a little different. While the apprenticeship takes apprentices through four years of extensive training, the pre-apprenticeship gives participants a small look into the life of marine trade industries.
One of the core missions of the pre-apprenticeship is helping students turn six weeks of summer learning into the first step of a lifelong journey. From here, the path forward is theirs to choose — whether that means returning to school to pursue higher education, stepping directly into a job on the waterfront, or continuing on into the Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship. Buoyant Beginnings is simply here to lay a solid foundation — one they can build the rest of their career on.
Buoyant Beginnings exists to power the future of the marine workforce — and in an industry facing a shrinking talent pool, that mission has never mattered more. We're incredibly fortunate to partner with marine industries across Whatcom County who don't just believe in what Buoyant Beginnings is building — they're actively investing in it, opening their doors to bring new talent onto the waterfront.
This summer, Buoyant Beginnings was proud to work alongside:
Armstrong Marine Services
Empire Marine
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.
A Special thank you to everyone who made this program possible!
To our program coordinators for the work that keeps everything running behind the scenes. To our Lummi Nation partners and supporters for sharing this vision and backing it so generously. To our industry partners for opening their doors and investing their time and expertise in the next generation of the waterfront. And to our participants, the heart of this program, for showing up with curiosity and dedication.
Buoyant Beginnings would not be the success it has been these last two summers without every one of you. Thank you, and we're looking forward to what's next.
