WWW Hosts More Than 300 Students In New Orleans
We Work the Waterways (WWW) hosted a maritime interaction day on the trade show floor of the International WorkBoat Show in New Orleans December 4, offering high school students an inside look at career opportunities within the maritime industry. The event brought together more than 300 students from 13 schools across southeast Louisiana, including both the New Orleans and Baton Rouge regions.
The program featured participation from more than 30 maritime companies whose representatives served on career panels, led hands-on, interactive stations and supported event logistics. Their involvement allowed students to hear directly from professionals working in vessel operations, shipbuilding, logistics, engineering and other key segments of the industry. Students interacting with industry leaders at 24 different stations is just one way We Work the Waterways is helping connect the classroom to real-world opportunities.
Maritime interaction days are designed to expand awareness of the industry among young people and introduce them to the wide range of careers available along the nation’s waterways. For many students, these events provide their first exposure to the scope of maritime work and the essential role it plays in the U.S. economy. By creating direct engagement between industry and education, WWW aims to help build a stronger, more informed future workforce.
“The students had a whirlwind day at our WorkBoat maritime interaction day,” said Errin Howard, executive director of We Work the Waterways. “After visiting stations and lunch together, they ended the day by visiting booths along the guided student trail to network and hear from other maritime industry professionals on the showroom floor. As always, we look forward to keeping up with these students as they begin to navigate the next phase of their life. As they go, we will continue educating them on what the maritime industry has to offer.”
The WorkBoat Show offered a unique opportunity to showcase the industry’s innovation and diversity. With company volunteers guiding students through equipment, simulators, safety demonstrations, and career discussions, the event highlighted both the accessibility and long-term stability of maritime careers.
Events like this also support ongoing regional workforce initiatives by fostering collaboration between schools, employers, and community organizations. As workforce shortages continue to impact the maritime sector, programs that engage students early and provide clear pathways into training and employment have become increasingly important.
We Work the Waterways expressed appreciation to the companies, volunteers, educators, and students who contributed to the success of the event. The WWW Team noted that continued participation from industry partners ensures that Maritime Interaction Days remain an effective avenue for career exploration.
Through its outreach programs, WWW continues to focus on building awareness, strengthening industry connections, and preparing the next generation to take the helm in maritime careers.
Featured image caption: New Orleans area high school students take part in the “welcome parade” at a December 4 maritime interaction day hosted by We Work The Waterways. (Photo courtesy of We Work The Waterways)
