Industry Interaction Day Teaches Local Students About Opportunities in Maritime Industry

“‘We Work the Waterways'” is a national education outreach program through the trade association Inland Rivers, Ports and Terminals, Inc. (IRPT). On Oct. 16, 2024, the program offered a hands-on Industry Interaction Day for 200 local students in Alton.

‘We have members of the maritime community, organizations and companies, here to engage with students and educate them about career opportunities in the maritime shipping and logistics industry,’ explained Errin Howard, director of We Work the Waterways. ‘Our company exhibitors are making connections with each other, but they’re also making connections with students and the educators who are here. It’s all about the connections that are being made today.’

The National Great Rivers Museum welcomed students from Southwestern High School, Jersey Community High School, Clyde C. Miller Career Academy, Sumner High School, Gateway STEM High School, Granite City High School and Roosevelt High School.

Students could stop by several stations and speak to different companies and organizations, including the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. They learned about what each organization does, and they could ask questions about different jobs within the maritime industry” …

Read the full article here! Story by: Sydney Sinks, River Bender