People Power’s exploration of the marine workforce, education, and opportunity continues. In our last iteration, we spotlighted the education opportunity of the Youth Maritime Training Association (YMTA) Norm Manly Education Scholarship and, beforehand, looked to the innovative Maritime253 school under construction in Tacoma. There remain many other inroads into the maritime sector, especially for curious young people. Among the various entry points into the skilled marine trades is also perhaps the most ancient—the humble apprenticeship.
The concept of an apprenticeship is as old as civilization itself, widely regarded as formalized into Western culture during medieval Europe by craftsman-artisan guilds. Promising young talent across professions from blacksmiths to shoemakers would enter an official working relationship with a master of the craft for a period of time, often a few years. During this period, the apprentice embraced a part-education, part-employment phase of professional development as he mastered the craft at-hand to a level his master deemed worthy of working on his own, often as a journeyman—a qualified professional still on the road to “master” status.
The apprenticeship is still a standard model in the trades, and the maritime industry of the Pacific Northwest is no exception. Enter Anacortes, Washington-based Dakota Creek Industries, a complete shipbuilding and repair facility that specializes in steel and aluminum vessels up to 400’ in length. The deepwater access via Guemes Channel of Puget Sound, Syncrolift ship lift, and drydock draws an impressive array of West Coast vessels from oceanographic research ships to WETA passenger fast ferries. Notably, Dakota Creek also launched an apprenticeship program in 2021.
“Dakota Creek Industries formally launched its Washington state–approved apprenticeship program in recent years as part of a long-term commitment to workforce development,” says Carrie King, apprenticeship program manager for Dakota Creek Industries. “Like many shipyards across the country, we identified a growing need to invest in the next generation of skilled tradespeople.”
According to King, the program addresses a critical workforce gap by creating a structured pipeline of trained professionals in key trades, such as marine electrical, welding, machinery assembly, and shipfitting. The apprenticeship program allows Dakota Creek to build talent from within while preserving the craftsmanship and technical expertise that are essential to the maritime industry.
“An apprenticeship program is an ‘earn while you learn’ model that combines hands-on, on-the-job training with classroom-based instruction,” explains King. It provides a direct pathway into a skilled trade while eliminating many of the financial barriers associated with traditional education. “It is absolutely one of the best on-ramps for young people—or anyone—looking to transition careers into the maritime and skilled trades industries. Apprentices graduate with real-world experience, industry-recognized credentials, and no student debt, which positions them for long-term, sustainable careers.”
King reports that the program, about five years old, has been successful in enrolling and developing apprentices. She also notes an increase in interest as awareness of trade careers grows in the national zeitgeist.
“One of the biggest lessons learned is that you don’t need prior experience to succeed in the trades—you need attitude, reliability, and a willingness to learn,” says King. “We’ve found that expanding outreach, especially to younger students and those who may not have previously considered a trade career, is key.” Creating a supportive environment with mentorship and clear expectations has also been critical to apprentice success.
As far as advice to those interested in the program, King encourages potential applicants to see apprenticeships as a career, not just a job. This is an opportunity to build a lifelong skillset in an industry that is essential, resilient, and deeply rewarding.
“Apprentices can expect to work hard, learn every day, and be part of a team that builds and repairs complex vessels,” says King. “Preparation doesn’t require prior trade experience, but it does require commitment, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to show up ready to learn. Basic math skills, mechanical curiosity, and reliability go a long way.”
From the business side of things, Dakota Creek plans for continued commitment to the apprenticeship program. At the end of the day, the fact that a large operation like Dakota Creek plans to double down on an apprenticeship program after half a decade is probably the best endorsement of all.
“Looking ahead, we are focused on continuing to grow and strengthen the program,” says King. That includes expanding outreach, refining training pathways, and ensuring their apprentices are gaining the experience needed to meet the evolving demands of the maritime industry. “We’re also continuing to integrate apprentices into complex, real-world shipyard projects, so they graduate with meaningful, hands-on experience. Our goal is not just to train workers, but to develop the next generation of leaders in the trades.”
If Dakota Creek’s apprenticeship program—essentially a modern twist on a timeless model—is this successful, imagine if every notable yard, boatbuilder, and manufacturer followed suit? Even throwing one or two kids into the mix via an upwardly mobile apprenticeship pipeline gives the next generation careers, provides benefits for the employer, and strengthens the marine industry—and the nation more broadly.
Maybe it’s inaccurate to describe apprenticeships as “ancient.” Perhaps, instead, the master-apprentice bond is timeless. Immortal.
Contact Dakota Creek
You can learn more about the Dakota Creek Industries apprenticeship program on the company’s website: https://dakotacreek.com/apprentice-program/.
Address: 820 4th Street, Anacortes, WA 98221
Office Phone: 360-293-9575
