New collaboration marks increased economic
efforts to support the local maritime industry, in the spirit of Franklin D. Roosevelt
OAKLAND, August 31, 2024 – With the help of a $430,000 combined grant from the state of California, the USS Potomac Association, which owns and operates FDR’s historic USS Potomac at Jack London Square, has launched a collaboration with the West Oakland Job Resource Center (WOJRC) to introduce young Oakland residents to the maritime industry through a comprehensive job training program.
Education on the maritime industry
“These grants from the California Workforce Development Board and the Employment Development Dept. will fund learning sessions given by maritime industry professionals at the Potomac Visitor’s Center,” said Ford Roosevelt, the Potomac Association’s project manager for the grant program. “It will also fund learning sessions with crew members and the Potomac’s maintenance team at dockside, and support short cruises on the ship where the participants can observe vessel operations.”
Overall, the program will help orient the participants from WOJRC to occupations in the maritime industry, he added, while providing a basic understanding so that that they can pursue their credentials and jobs in the field, if they choose to.
The WOJRC will select up to 85 participants, most aged 18 to 30, for this educational program, in which they will earn a stipend and undergo in-class and practical learning sessions aboard the USS Potomac. As part of the curriculum, participants will learn different aspects of the maritime industry including crew roles and responsibilities, ship types and anatomy, Coast Guard certifications, cargo handling at the Port of Oakland, and more.
“We are thrilled to be working with the WOJRD on this new program,” said Jennifer Pettley, executive director of the USS Potomac Association which owns and operates USS Potomac.
“As a National Historic Landmark, Potomac offers a unique opportunity for these young Oakland residents to learn about the many career opportunities in the maritime industry,” Pettley added.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jennifer Pettley
Executive Director
USS Potomac Association
510-627-1215
jpettley@usspotomac.org
Photos available