The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced Tuesday that it is accepting applications for Centers of Excellence (CoE) designations to support higher education and training centers preparing Americans for careers in the maritime industry.
The department said the announcement was an effort to expand equitable opportunities for good paying jobs and preparing workers for successful careers in the maritime industry.
“These Centers of Excellence are developing the next generation of the maritime workforce and improving training in the maritime industry,” Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips said.
The CoE program is a voluntary program administered by MARAD that focuses on existing training facilities and assists the maritime industry in gaining and sustaining a well-trained workforce, the department said.
As part of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2018, the Secretary of Transportation has the authority to designate eligible and qualified entities as CoEs. The department and MARAD can also collaborate with CoEs to advance recruitment and training, enhance facilities, award student credit for military service, create new maritime career pathways and enhance employer-led maritime training programs.
Eligible organizations can submit applications and supporting documents via email to CoEDMWTE@dot.gov, or via mail to MARAD. More information is available in the Federal Register. Applications are due by 8 p.m. EST Sept. 19, 2022.