Maritime High School – a public choice school in Highline Public Schools – will host its 2nd annual Maritime Career Expo at the Highline High School Cafeteria on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025.

The event, held in partnership with Northwest Maritime, offers students an opportunity to connect with leading maritime employers, explore career pathways, and participate in hands-on activities.

This year marks a significant milestone for the school as it celebrates its first graduating class. Since opening its doors in 2021, Maritime High School has provided students with a unique, career-focused education, blending hands-on learning experiences like shipbuilding and navigation with academic studies to prepare them for maritime industry careers. The career expo exemplifies the school’s commitment to equipping students with the skills and opportunities needed for success.

“Maritime High School is thrilled to host the 2nd annual Maritime Career Expo,” said Jamila Gordon, Principal at Maritime High School. “This opportunity is a great time for students and their families to learn more about the well-paid jobs in the maritime industry and how to gain access to the skills and knowledge they need to be qualified for these jobs.”

The expo will feature representatives from prominent maritime organizations, including NOAA, Puget Sound Pilots, Holland America, Washington State Ferries, the University of Washington’s Applied Physics Lab, Maersk Broker, Crowley, and many more. Attendees will have the chance to learn directly from professionals about career opportunities, required certifications, and pathways into the maritime field.

In addition to meeting potential employers, students can engage in interactive activities designed to inspire and educate. These activities, led by Northwest Maritime, will highlight different aspects of the maritime industry and provide attendees with a hands-on introduction to the field.

“Northwest Maritime is excited to facilitate fun and engaging maritime activities for all visitors. These activities will span all three pathways and be a great way to learn about and answer the question, ‘What is maritime?’” remarked Robin Mills, Program Director at Northwest Maritime. “In addition, there will be representatives of many different parts of the maritime industry, on-site to share what they do and what skills & certifications you need to work for them.”

The Maritime Career Expo is free and open to the public. Students, families, and community members interested in maritime careers or learning more about Maritime High School are encouraged to attend.

For more information, please visit https://maritime.highlineschools.org

  • WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • WHERE: Highline High School Cafeteria, 225 S. 152nd Street, Burien, WA (map below).

ABOUT MARITIME HIGH SCHOOL

Maritime High School (MHS) is a tuition-free public choice school currently located in Des Moines. It’s designed for students who have an interest in anything connected to the sea. Using hands-on, project-based learning and STEM education, MHS inspires student interest in maritime careers, marine science, and the environment. Classroom time is supplemented with frequent fieldwork experiences and boat-based learning. By graduation, students have the skills to launch directly into a maritime career or continue studying at college. The school is a collaborative project of Highline Public Schools, Northwest Maritime, Port of Seattle, and the Duwamish River Community Coalition, with many community and industry partners engaged to support the students.