Port Houston invests in maritime education to help build and support the future workforce. More than 450 students and approximately 30 exhibitors attended the 2019 Maritime and Logistics Youth Expo held at the San Jacinto College Maritime Technology and Training Center April 26.

The expo featured presentations by mariners covering towboats, harbor tugs, barges, shipping forklifts, dredging, survey vessels and maritime salvage equipment. Logistics, distribution and transportation companies were on hand to share internship and career opportunities.

The port’s Small Business and Education Outreach department and the Port of Houston Partners in Maritime Education participated and supported this effort, where they helped students learn about different careers in the maritime and logistics industries.

The event also featured a splashing tugboat push competition and a simulated helicopter water rescue. The port’s emergency Mobile Command Center and a Port of Houston fire boat were on site and featured demonstrations. Games, learning activities, giveaways and a photo booth station were provided.

Academic partners included: Texas Southern University, Texas A&M Galveston, University of Houston, Houston Community College and San Jacinto College Maritime, which were all on hand to share maritime, logistics and supply-chain pathways and scholarship opportunities to students.

The event was organized and co-sponsored by Port Houston, Harris County Precinct 2, Houston Pilots, San Jacinto College and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.