LBCC: Port Of LB Maritime Center At LBCC Recognized By U.S. Dept. Of Transportation

Press release from Long Beach City College:

May 26, 2021

The Port of Long Beach Maritime Center of Excellence at Long
Beach City College received the designation as a 2021 Center of
Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education
(CoE) from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime
Administration (MARAD). LBCC is one of 27 community colleges and
training institutions nationwide that prepare students for
careers in the maritime industry.

With this federal designation, MARAD can now start working with
LBCC to enter into cooperative agreements to help advance
recruitment of students and faculty, enhance facilities, award
student credit for military service, and potentially receive
assistance in the form of surplus equipment or temporary use of
MARAD vessels. 

“The 2021 Federal Maritime Center of Excellence Designation
demonstrates that Long Beach City College is leading the way
in the high-skills training needed to begin and advance
careers right here at the Port of Long Beach,” said
Long Beach Community College District Board of Trustees’
President Uduak-Joe Ntuk. “For LBCC to achieve this national
designation will create new pathways to good pay jobs for
our students, while opening more access for diversity and
inclusion within the maritime industry.”

“A big reason we partnered with the excellent team at Long Beach
City College on this educational initiative was to invest in the
future workforce of the goods movement industry, right here in
our city,” said Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario
Cordero. “We’re very pleased about what this federal designation
says about what we’ve accomplished together so far, and the
possibilities for the Center’s future.”

The designation to be named a 2021 CoE was a competitive process.
Information regarding the CoE program and the application process
was disseminated through Federal Register notices. Successful
applicants include accredited community colleges, technical
colleges, and maritime training centers under state supervision.

“Long Beach City College is pleased and honored to be included as
a CoE because our goals align with the Department of
Transportation’s – we aim to create a well-trained work force
while enhancing diversity and inclusion,” said LBCCD’s Interim
Superintendent-President Dr. Mike Muñoz. “This federal
designation is a testament to the quality and importance of this
job training program at LBCC.”

For additional information about the Center of Excellence for
Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education, please
visit the
MARAD website.

The Port of Long Beach Maritime Center of Excellence at Long
Beach City College was established in 2019 and offers short-term
not-for-credit training and industry certifications. Almost 200
people have completed the program to date.

The Port of Long Beach Maritime Center of Excellence at LBCC is
always seeking those interested in careers in the global
logistics and supply chain industries. Costs and lengths
vary for classes. For details, visit  www.LBCC.edu/MaritimeCenter, call (562)
938-3248 or email wfdev@lbcc.edu.

This press release was produced by Long Beach City College. The views expressed here are the author’s own.