By Margie Doyle
Thanks to the San Juan County Economic Development Council, scholarships in career change and advancement are available to eight motivated persons. Recent high school graduates and those workers looking for a career change are encouraged to apply for eight (8) full scholarships to Skagit Valley College’s Center of Excellence for Marine Manufacturing & Technology in Anacortes.
The deadline for applications is July 31, so applicants are encouraged to apply soon.
When the San Juan County Economic Development Council (EDC) researched the need for skilled labor in the county, they found that there was not enough personnel trained in shipyard working, specifically composite technicians (applying epoxies and fiberglass) and small engine repair mechanics. The EDC applied for a Rural Business Enterprise grant for job skills training in those fields, and has been awarded scholarship funding from the US Department of Agriculture to enable islanders over age 18 to attend the training courses, beginning in late August. (July 9 date on the website is in error).
Two curricula are available: Composites Technology, or Marine Propulsion. More information on the program is available here. The composites course will include the American Composite Manufacturer’s Association certification exam.
The courses require attendance Monday-Thursday for most of the day. A $150 deposit and a written commitment to complete the course is required. Transportation costs to Anacortes are not included in the scholarships.To apply for a scholarship, go to sanjuansedc.org/marine.
The grant to San Juan County residents will support the Tri-County Rural Job Skills Training & Business Education Network, created by the San Juan, Island and Skagit Counties to address the needs of the business community in the region.
Victoria Compton, Executive Director of the San Juan County Economic Development Council, which will receive a symbolic “check” representing the grant next week from Mario Villanueva, state director for the USDA’s Rural Development department, says, “We highly encourage recent high school graduates and workers interested in a career change to apply for these scholarships. If need be, we can help provide transportation to the Marine Technology campus in Anacortes.
“We want to get people who are really committed, because this represents significant financial support.”
The San Juan County EDC is supported through county funds, which supply 25% of its budget, state funds, which bring in 50% of its budget, and the port of Lopez and the Town of Friday Harbor.
To reach the San Juan EDC, call Victoria Compton at 360-378-2906 or email info@sanjuansedc.org
I attended the Marine Technology Propulsion program, and was highly impressed by the facilities, and the quality of the staff and instructors.