We develop and sustain Washington’s maritime careers.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. The MAC Model Welding Framework project team is pleased to announce that the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) has officially approved the MAC Welding and Fabrication Model Frameworks—a major milestone in expanding high-quality welding education across Washington State. 

Framework Highlights

• 180-hour Metal Trades Foundation Framework- This exploratory course is the entry point to the Welding Technology program of study

• 180-hour Welding Technology I Framework- This course is the first of the two preparatory courses available for use in a comprehensive high school setting- this course is eligible for 1.0 credits in integrated Math 1

• 180-hour Welding Technology II Framework- This course is the second and final preparatory course in the welding Technology program of study and is eligible for 1.0 credits in Lab Science

• Supports Career Explore, Prep, and Launch programming

• Covers both steel and aluminum alloy welding

• Expands access in rural and urban communities

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. The U.S. Coast Guard announced yesterday it will invest nearly $350 million to expand robotics and autonomous systems, a move aimed at enhancing maritime operations, improving safety, and strengthening the service’s ability to respond to emergencies along U.S. waterways and coasts. The funding, provided under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), includes $11 million in fiscal year 2025 for immediate upgrades to critical unmanned systems. Initial investments include:

• $4.8 million to procure 16 VideoRay Defender remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for Deployable Specialized Forces.

• $2 million for six Qinetiq Squad Packable Utility Robot (SPUR) and 12 mini-SPUR unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) for Coast Guard Strike Teams.

• $4.3 million for 125 SkyDio X10D short-range unmanned aircraft systems (SR-UAS).

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. Could humanoid robots help solve some shipyard labor shortage issues? Houston-based AI startup Persona AI, founded in 2024 by former Nauticus Robotics CEO Nic Radford, has entered a collaboration with ABS that could make that start to happen. Under an MOU formalized by the parties today, the collaboration aims to develop inspection technologies for Persona AI’s humanoid robot platform that enhances productivity and safety in shipyards. The initiative will focus on adapting Persona AI’s humanoid robots, based in part on NASA’s robotic hand technology, for a range of shipyard tasks. Unlike traditional industrial robots, humanoid robots are uniquely suited to operate in shipyards designed for human workers, offering flexibility and mobility in complex, confined, or ergonomically challenging spaces.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. Everett Ship Repair LLC (ESR), Everett, Wash., has just announced the acquisition of the floating dry dock, Hercules. The dry dock was towed from San Diego (where it previously operated as the NASSCO Builder) by Baydelta using its tug Delta Deanna, a tug built by ESR sister company Nichols Brothers Boat Builders. Hercules is now the largest dry dock in Puget Sound and represents a major milestone in ESR’s commitment to expanding regional ship repair capacity for commercial and government operators across the West Coast. The Hercules significantly expands ESR’s capabilities, allowing the company to accommodate larger vessels than ever before. With a lifting capacity of 35,000 LT, an inside beam of 135 feet, and a length of 820 feet, the dry dock will enable the safe docking of some of the West Coast’s largest ships. This acquisition reinforces ESR’s position as a critical resource to the West Coast maritime industry and strengthens its ability to serve the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Coast Guard, continued support of Washington State Ferries and a wide range of commercial vessels.