TWC Funds Training of 195 Mariners at San Jacinto College

Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) informs that its Chairman, Andres Alcantar, recently visited the San Jacinto College maritime training center to present a $368,173 Skills Development Fund grant for maritime job training.

The TWC Skills Development Fund grant will fund training for 195 mariners from Buffalo Marine Services, G&H Towing Co., Higman Barge Lines Inc., and J.A.M. Distributing. Since the start of the San Jacinto College maritime program in 2010, approximately 2,500 U.S. Coast Guard certificates have been awarded to mariners. TWC explains that having a local maritime training center saves companies travel expenses. In the past, mariners were sent out of state for similar training.

“Skills grants deliver customized training solutions that help Texas employers and workers succeed in the marketplace,” said TWC Chairman Andres Alcantar in a news release. “This investment builds not only employee skills, but the capabilities of our community colleges to the benefit of employers and the community. We are pleased to make this investment.”

Chairman Alcantar also toured the College’s interactive bridge simulators, which are used to train students for a variety of sea conditions. In the near future, San Jacinto College will expand its maritime training program with the opening of a 45,000-square-foot Maritime Training Center along the Port of Houston.

In addition to the professional mariner training, the College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Maritime Transportation, an Associate of Applied Science in International Business Logistics and supply chain management, and an Introduction to Ships and Shipping course with an articulation agreement with Texas A&M University at Galveston.

"It is through support from the Texas Workforce Commission that we can offer our local maritime companies training for their employees, and allow them to grow their business and keep the Port of Houston one of the world's largest and busiest ports for importing and exporting," said Dr. Brenda Hellyer, San Jacinto College Chancellor. "We thank the Texas Workforce Commission for its support for our maritime training program, for our local mariners and maritime companies, and for the growth of our region."

Pictured: (left to right) Dr. Brenda Hellyer, San Jacinto College Chancellor; Capt. Mitch Schacter, San Jacinto College maritime program director; Steve Huttman vice president of marine operations, G&H Towing Co.; Andres Alcantar, Texas Workforce Commission chairman and commissioner representing the public; Shanna Casanie, human resources manager, Buffalo Marine Services; Dr. Sarah Janes, vice president of Continuing and Professional Development, San Jacinto College; Gordie Kennan, vice president of training and credentialing, Higman Barge Lines Inc.; Mary Ann Carrion, representing Texas State Rep. Mary Ann Perez; Derek Darnell, representing Texas State Senator Sylvia Garcia; Nancy Martin, grants training coordinator, San Jacinto College; and Brittany Buckley, marine logistics manager, J.A.M. Distributing. Photo credit: Jeannie Peng-Armao, San Jacinto College marketing, public relations, and government affairs department

For more information about maritime training and degree program at San Jacinto College, visit sanjac.edu/maritime