In 2018, Holland America Cruise line sponsored a 3-month Maritime Apprenticeship Program to give 10 youths the skills and certification needed to gain employment in the Maritime Industry. This course was done in collaboration with Kidz at Sea, and covered boat maintenance and repair, sailing, and other certifications such as:

▪ STCW
▪ Basic Keelboat with elements of Qualified Crew
▪ Basic Cruising
▪ Bareboat Cruising
▪ VHF Licensing
▪ Boat Master Coastal Waters

This course was especially relevant post-Irma as there has been an increase in demand for skilled labor in the field of Boat Repair due to the damage caused by the Hurricane. 9 youths have now completed the course and graduated with their STCW 2010 and other maritime certifications. Most have gone on to work in the maritime field, landing jobs with companies such as 12-Metre, Great Bay Express and others. The goal was achieved by enabling our youth with relevant skills to immediately get jobs in boat repair and other maritime fields post Hurricane Irma.

K1 continues to follow their progress in developing careers in the maritime field, and these youths have become role models for their peers. We are very grateful to Holland America Line for giving them this life opportunity!