OLYMPIA – Governor Bob Ferguson signed House Bill 1167, legislation sponsored by Rep. Clyde Shavers, D-Clinton, aimed to establish educational pathways for high school students interested in maritime careers.
House Bill 1167 addresses workforce shortages by preparing students for maritime professions, including roles in Washington’s ferry fleet. The state’s ferry system continues to face staffing shortages, impacting service reliability, highlighting the urgent need for skilled maritime professionals. The law directs the Statewide Career and Technical Education (CTE) Task Force to identify and develop educational programs that provide practical maritime skills and qualifications, enabling students to smoothly transition into maritime professions upon graduation.
“Our ferry system isn’t just transportation – it’s a vital link that binds our communities and fuels our economy,” said Shavers. “By empowering our young people with the tools and opportunities they need today, we’re ensuring a vibrant, dependable maritime workforce for tomorrow. Together, we’re creating a brighter future for our state.”
This initiative builds on previous efforts by Rep. Shavers, such as House Bill 2236, which expanded programs modeled after Core Plus and created a task force to strengthen work-integrated learning across various sectors, including health care. According to Shavers, throughout his legislative career, he has consistently prioritized educational initiatives that provide students with practical skills and clear pathways to successful, meaningful careers.
“This legislation is about inspiring hope and opening doors to fulfilling careers for our students,” Shavers continued. “By aligning educational pathways with real-world demands, we’re giving young Washingtonians the chance to dream big and achieve success, benefiting our communities for generations to come.”
House Bill 1167 takes effect at the end of July, facilitating enhanced training opportunities and strengthening Washington State’s maritime workforce.