A Bill To Create A Non-College Career Pathway For Port Jobs For SC Students

The Port of Charleston and the inland ports of South Carolina are more than just jewels in the Palmetto State economy, they are a foundation for personal financial success and independence, and for the personal fulfillment that comes with doing meaningful work that is essential to the strength and success of the community, state and, indeed, our nation.

Working closely with leaders from the Maritime Association of South Carolina and the Charleston Branch Pilots Association, Representative Gilliard is crafting legislation that would require South Carolina public schools to offer elective courses that would "provide one unit of instruction on career opportunities in ports, waterways, commercial shipping, the maritime transportation system and the entities that support maritime trade that school districts shall offer in middle schools and high schools as an elective course, the purpose of which is to advance, promote and protect the interests of the maritime and logistics community by providing students with an understanding of different career options in the maritime industry and the skills to serve in an entry-level position in the field. Instruction in the maritime industry shall include an overview of trades, skills, and knowledge essential to marine commerce, including but not limited to seamanship, navigation, piloting, marine engineering, port operations, marine environmental protection, port services; commercial vessel operations, repair, and maintenance; logistics and management; and intermodal systems and networks. The curriculum must be developed cooperatively by the State Department of Education, with the assistance of the Maritime Association of South Carolina, the Commissioners of Pilotage for the Upper Coastal Area, and the Commissioners of Pilotage for the Lower Coastal Area. Districts may provide the instruction virtually."
" The men and women who work in our ports, maritime industries, and the entities who support maritime commerce are a vital part of our state's and nation's economic health and our national security. Exposing students in middle and high school to the knowledge and skills needed for a successful career and, indeed, exposing students to the varied careers that are available to them in the maritime fields will be beneficial to the students, the industries, and our state now and the future. I am proud to be working with dedicated staff and board of the Maritime Association and Charleston Branch Pilots Association to design this meaningful legislation and look forward to introducing it soon." - Representative Wendell Gilliard