Inspiring Future Generations Through Craft

Being able to introduce students and foster their skill building journey is what really drives Joel everyday, he says. Through its youth and vocational education programs, Northwest Maritime Center gets the unique opportunity to introduce new ideas and skills to middle school and high school age students.  For most of these students it is the first time they have had the opportunities to craft and create while also conceptualizing how the boats they use are crafted and cared for.  

Boatbuilding is unique in the fact that through the construction of a vessel you rarely work to straight lines and square angles. Teaching through boatbuilding is unique in how it opens your mind and allows to teach in an environment that really allows the builder to show themselves through their work. This is a learning environment that melds the traditional skills found in boatbuilding with more contemporary styles and techniques that help develop a well rounded skillset for students thinking about going into the marine trades. Watching young people remain engaged in the marine trades and maritime culture is what truly inspires Northwest Maritime Center.

“The only constant in boatbuilding is change. Over time, materials, techniques, and technology are constantly changing and improving. At the wooden boatshop, we offer the opportunity to celebrate tradition while also incorporating new more modern techniques and styles"