Aspen Power Catamarans in Burlington and Career Connected Learning Specialists from Career Connect Northwest collaborated in November to create a worksite tour for the senior class from Orcas Island High School.
Twenty-nine students boarded the early ferry from Orcas Island to Anacortes so they could learn about maritime boat building careers. Later stops included Western Washington University and Whatcom Community College, but it was important for the students to take a workforce-related worksite tour while on the mainland exploring future options.
When they arrived, Berry Zimmerman, talent manager from Aspen Power Catamarans, greeted the students and offered hand-outs from the employee manual promoting core values: Family, Teamwork, Innovation, Excellence, and Adventure. Students received safety g
lasses for their tour and prepared to visit two separate shop areas.
Zimmerman toured students through the paint shop and the build shop, explaining how they custom build the luxury catamarans and service owner boats. Jobs range from entry-level painters and laminators to mechanics and administrative staff. Each boat is custom built for the owner and students enjoyed photo opportunities in front of a new luxury catamaran being shipped to Florida the next day.
Highlighted was Aspen Power Catamaran’s apprenticeship through the Skagit Valley College’s Marine Maintenance Technology program. Students enrolled in the 1-year certification program or 2-year degree program at SVC may apply for the Aspen SVC Apprentice Program. If selected, students can work part-time at Aspen in the morning while attending SVC classes in the afternoon.
Nick Graf, sales manager at Aspen, joined the group to talk about marine careers so students could interact with several Aspen representatives in different roles. As students boarded the bus to continue their field trip, one student was so engaged in conversation with Zimmerman about future job options at Aspen, he had to be told to get on the bus so they could get going! He climbed on the bus with Zimmerman’s business card in his hand and a huge smile on his face.
Meagan Gable, a career counselor and teacher at Orcas Island High School, said, “Thank you all so much! The students LOVED their visit! We appreciate your time and all the work that went into this.”
Kate Long, who helps students with post-secondary planning in Orcas Island High School’s Futures Lounge, wrote, “Thank you for organizing this trip for our crew. It was great to be in the thick of things at a spot that builds beautiful boats.”
Orcas Island High School is also home to the Northwest Washington STEM Network’s 2023 Washington STEM Rising Star Bethany Carter.
If your school is interested in getting connected with worksite tours, or your business would like to host a school tour, please reach out to Career Connect NW’s Career Connected Learning specialists for more information!
