The Community College of Rhode Island has been designated a 2024 Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education (CoE) by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD).

 This year’s designation, which is valid for five years, is an extension of CCRI’s original designation announced in 2021 as part of MARAD’s first cohort. CoE designation recognizes community colleges for its workforce-based training programming to prepare students for careers in the maritime industry. CCRI is one of 32 CoEs for 2024 covering 17 states and one U.S. territory and is also the only CoE in New England and one of only two in the northeast, joining Delaware County Community College.

 “Given our commitment to training students to work in and sustain careers in the maritime industry, we are beyond thrilled to again earn designation as a Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education,” said CCRI Interim President Rosemary Costigan. “This validates the daily work by our Division of Workforce Partnerships to develop long-lasting partnerships with industry employers and build the curriculum necessary to ensure our students graduate CCRI with the skills they need to enter the workforce.”

 CoE designation also allows CCRI to work with MARAD and enter into cooperative agreements to help advance recruitment of students and faculty, enhance facilities, award student credit for military service, and potentially receive assistance in the form of surplus equipment or temporary use of MARAD vessels.

 “The CoE designation recognizes the tremendous value that [CCRI] provides to our nation by developing and preparing students for demanding careers in our vitally important maritime industry,” said Administrator of the U.S. Maritime Administration Ann Phillips in a release

 “[CCRI] graduates have made outstanding contributions to the industry over the years, which is an excellent testimonial to the superior academic and professional education and training they received while attending CCRI.”

 Through its Division of Workforce Partnerships, CCRI offers myriad career opportunities in the maritime industry and works with a variety of industry partners to develop programming, hire talent from the maritime programs, connect CCRI with their small-business networks, and provide guidance on future maritime training.

 Programs available at CCRI include Maritime Careers Training, Maritime Pipefitting, Maritime Sheet Metal, Maritime Electrical, Maritime Rigging, Maritime Radiography, Youth Boatbuilding, Mechanical Shipyard Testing Organization (STO), Electrical STO, Maritime career exposure trainings, and Maritime OSHA 10 and 30.

 In addition to these new pipeline trainings that lead to maritime related careers, CCRI created a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) program that now gives high school students a head start on earning careers within the maritime field and offers two different apprenticeship programs that allow for General Dynamic Electric Boat employees to earn as they learn and achieve higher levels of employment upon completion. Other collaborations with Rhode Island Marine Trades Association (RIMTA), Oliver Hazard Perry (OHPRI), and the U.S. Maritime Resource Center (USMRC) help CCRI create a pipeline of skilled workers ready to enter the maritime industry. 

 “Electric Boat is pleased to continue partnering with CCRI as they are designated and remain a Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education. Developing our current and future workforce through our collaboration is essential to Electric Boat’s success and I am dedicated to fostering a skilled workforce to meet the demands of our industry. Supporting our pipelines, apprenticeships and community outreach programs, CCRI has innovative solutions and an unwavering commitment to ensuring our satisfaction and provides a wealth of ideas to enhance our workforce,” said Shawn Coyne, Electric Boat VP of Human Resources and Administration.

 Authorized under the National Defense Authorization Act of 2018, the CoE program is designed to assist the maritime industry in gaining and sustaining a well-trained labor force while enhancing diversity and inclusion in the industry. Established in 1950 as an agency of the U.D. Department of Transportation, MARAD administers financial programs to develop, promote, and operate the U.S. Maritime Service and the U.S. Merchant Marine.