Congressman Derek Kilmer (WA-6th CD) recently paid a call on students in WSU’s new course Introduction to Marine Engineering on the campus of Olympic College in Bremerton. This new mechanical engineering technical elective was developed in response to employers on the Olympic Peninsula who advocated for a stronger grounding in marine engineering concepts and practices for graduates of WSU’s mechanical engineering program. The maritime industry is the largest single employer of Bremerton mechanical engineering students, with the majority of recent graduates heading to careers with the Puget Sound Naval Shipyards, Keyport, and supporting maritime firms. Demand for engineers in Kitsap remains strong—all fifty students who have graduated from the Bremerton program were employed shortly after graduation.
Following his visit with the class, Congressman Kilmer engaged in a roundtable dialogue with maritime industry employers from the Peninsula. The focus of the conversation was on expanding the region’s maritime sector and growing its jobs base. Representatives from the Puget Sound Naval Shipyards, Leidos, the Port of Bremerton, Vigor, SAFE Boats, and others shared with the Congressman their views on strengthening the regional economy, and making maritime careers more attractive to young people. WSU was particularly pleased to host Congressman Kilmer for these events, since it was his efforts while in the state legislature that made the launch of the ME program possible.