Boatbuilding: Growing industry with regional flavor
Industry depends on skilled workforce

Boats are big business in northwestern Washington. With our area’s abundance of natural water features, business has organically grown around recreational and commercial boating opportunities.
In fact, it appears the business of boatbuilding bolstered the region’s economy from some rough waters in the first part of the decade as other areas in the state were hit by a decline in the aerospace industry.
“The difference between Northwest Washington’s transportation equipment sector and that of many other regions is that , rather than by the troubled aerospace industry,” stated a report from the state’s Employment Security Department.
A 2005 report from Western’s Center for Economic and Business Research (CEBR) also notes the area’s strength and diversity in boatbuilding. The report specifically calls out boatbuilding in Island County as a driving force in the manufacturing sector of “transportation equipment.” In fact, wages in the boatbuilding industry in Island County were slightly higher than those in Whatcom and Skagit counties. In general, those wages in all three counties are around $3,000/month.
“Many of the jobs associated with boatbuilding are technically complex,” notes the CEBR’s report. “If communities are to support production locally, creating a skilled workforce is imperative. Currently, these workers are already in high demand, with many firms hiring from outside the three counties.”
Center supports industry excellence
The Northwest Center for Excellence in Marine Manufacturing and Technology, based in Skagit County, recognizes the need for a skilled workforce. The center is part of a statewide program affiliated with state and technical colleges in a variety of technical fields. Skagit Valley College is home to the marine center.
Among its goals, the Center for Excellence in Marine Manufacturing and Technology aims to train those new to the workforce as well as continuing training for those already in the industry. In support of this goal, local businesses including Janicki Industries, Nordic Tugs, Workskiff, Nichols Brothers, Aluminum Chamber Boats and Northern Marine Inc., have partnered with the center.
The region’s boat builders benefit from the center’s training programs as well as its focus on economic development. The Economic Development Association of Skagit County and the Northwest Workforce Development Council have also partnered with the center.
Delores Blueford, director of the center, is also working on a national level to advance industry standards as part of the Marine Industry Technical Education Council (MITEC), which formed in 2005. MITEC’s goal is to develop industry standards for marine trades training and education through its accreditation and certification of marine programs, processes and technicians. Blueford is chair for MITEC’s workforce development division.