SVC Reception in Eastsound

Orcas Rotary, a satellite of the San Juan Island Rotary Club, will sponsor a special Skagit Valley College President’s Reception with Dr. Thomas Keegan, SVC President, on Friday, March 10 Open to the public, with encouragement of students to attend, the reception will be held 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. at the Fire Station in Eastsound.

Hosted by Skagit Valley College San Juan Center and the SVC Foundation, the event will provide an opportunity for community members to learn more about how SVC serves the educational needs of the residents of the San Juans and how partnerships strengthen the community and lead to student success. The program will include remarks by Dr. Tom Keegan, President of SVC, Dr. Laura Cailloux, Vice President of SVC’s Whidbey Island Campus and Centers, and Randy Martin, Director of the San Juan Center. In addition, SJC faculty member Dr. Jill Johnson will share information about upcoming class highlights for Spring Quarter.

>> About Skagit Valley College’s San Juan Center — 

SVC’s San Juan Center began in the early 1970’s and the degree program began in 1986. While, the Center was housed in various locations in the community, it moved to its permanent home on property leased from the Port of Friday Harbor in 1996. An extension in the lower part of the building, housing the Washington State University Extension and a community room, was added in 1999.

The San Juan Center consists of a four-acre site with a facility that has three classrooms, a commons area, a computer lab, and staff offices. The Center offers academic transfer courses, community education, online education, and the highly popular Road Scholar lifelong learning program.    

Skagit Valley College has developed strong community connections throughout Skagit, Island, and San Juan counties.  By partnering with many of you — key community leaders in education, government, business, and economic development — we are exploring employment trends, implementing emerging technologies, and creating innovative academic pathways that enhance student success.

>> About Skagit Valley College’s Marine Technology Program

With a focus on excellence in access, achievement, and community, Skagit Valley College aligns its Workforce Education programs with regional and state economic development strategies. By maintaining strong connections with community leaders and key partnerships with business and industry, SVC provides training that responds to employer needs. 

Many individuals in our community have a deep connection with, and appreciation for, the marine trades. Within the local community, the late Richard Hughes, of Eastsound, felt that connection. Richard’s support for SVC’s Marine Technology Program will live on, with his bequest to establish a new SVC scholarship to support future students in the Marine Technology program. 

From aircraft to boats to wind turbines, Washington’s rapidly growing manufacturing, maritime, and aerospace industries are creating jobs that require skilled technicians. To meet that need, SVC’s Marine Technology Program at the Marine Technology Center in Anacortes provides students with skills employers need in the recreational boat, ship repair, and maintenance industries.

SVC’s program prepares students for marine trades employment in three key areas: Marine Propulsion, Marine Vessel Systems, and Marine Composites. Coursework include a comprehensive blend of classroom study, hands-on experience, and certification preparation.     

The program began in 1968 and opened its doors in Anacortes at the Marine Technology Center in 2010. Since its opening, approximately 140 students have enrolled in the program and has grown to 22-24 graduates each year.

The program blends classroom study with hands-on learning experience. Courses are taught by a faculty team of industry experts.

The employment outlook for the marine trades is strong, with 100% job placement. It’s a high demand field for program graduates for three key reasons: 

1. The recreational side of the industry has bounced back since the recession;
2. Commercial side of the industry remains strong;
3. The rebuilding of the Northwest fishing fleet needs systems and SVC provides that training.

The program continues to grow and respond to the needs of both employers and students. The program will expand capacity to serve 32 students per year. And, two new courses, Rigging and Hydraulics, will be added to the curriculum. As a result, the College is working to raise $50k – $75k for additional equipment, training aids, and tools. www.skagit.edu/marine

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