We Work the Waterways, a national educational outreach program, hosted an Industry Interaction Day for local high school seniors on Friday. Hundreds of students from surrounding schools had the opportunity to learn more about the maritime, shipping, and logistics industries and the diversity of related career paths.

Errin Howard is the Director of the We Work the Waterways Program.

“(The industry professionals) talk to (the students) and tell them about their different pathways and experiences. What I like to tell the kids is that in this industry, in order to move up and have a high-paying and rewarding career, and it’s not just a job, it’s a career, that this industry looks for a good work ethic,” Howard said. “That’s simply all you have to have. They will train you on the job. They look for that hard work ethic, and it’s rewarded and promoted.”

Students were given presentations and demonstrations at three locations: the Maritime Training Center of Hinds Community College in Vicksburg, the Lower Mississippi River Museum, and Ergon Marine and Industrial Supply.

Students met with professionals from those industries with a variety of levels of experience.

Interactive presentations were available at the Lower Mississippi River Museum. Some were focused on safety. One interactive presentation gave students a taste of what it’s like to throw lines when securing ships. Another went over procedures in the event of a man-over-board.

“We’ve even got a station to help students learn… soft skills like learning to give their elevator pitch if they’re going in for an interview; how, in 30 seconds, to promote yourself to that person effectively. And they get to practice their elevator pitch. So it’s not even just on-the-job skills related to the maritime industry, these are skills that we’re teaching the students that will help them no matter their profession,” Howard said. “The reason why is because even though these companies definitely want their next workforce and want these students to come work for them, if they don’t they still live and work in the communities that these companies are in, and they want successful individuals regardless.”

At Ergon Marine, students were given a behind-the-scenes tour of the process by which boat crews receive their groceries.

“It’s going very smooth, and I would attribute that to our partners and professionals in the industry that are working with us, helping us put this day on, but also our non-profit partners like the museum (and Hinds Community College),” Howard said.

The program is under the umbrella of the Inlands Rivers Ports and Terminals trade association, and tours around the country to areas with the relevant industries. Next week, the program will be held in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.