High school seniors from Owensboro and surrounding areas had the opportunity to engage with professionals from the maritime, shipping, and logistics industries during a We Work the Waterways Industry Interaction Day on Thursday.
The event, which stopped at the Owensboro Riverport Authority and the Owensboro Museum of Science and History, provided students with hands-on experiences and direct interaction with industry representatives, highlighting the diverse career paths available in the maritime field.
We Work the Waterways director Errin Howard said they organize events to raise awareness of maritime careers often overlooked by young people. Through activities such as line throwing, knot tying, and professional development sessions, students were introduced to the skills and opportunities that the industry offers.
“This is a true Industry Interaction Day. It’s about engaging students in a real-world way,” Howard said. “They interact with professionals and get hands-on experience in activities they could encounter on the job. We also emphasize soft skills like elevator pitches, which are crucial for professional growth.”
Students from Owensboro High School, Daviess County High School, Hancock County High School, Heritage Park High School, the Emerson Academy, the Owensboro Innovation Academy, and Grace Christian Academy had the chance to explore multiple career paths.
From roles in logistics and IT to law and human resources, Howard said the maritime industry encompasses a broad range of professions. Howard noted that many students are unaware of the opportunities in their communities.
“The river is right here in Owensboro, but these careers aren’t something students typically hear about growing up,” Howard said. “We want to change that and show them the good-paying jobs available in this industry.”
Locally, GL Power, Castlen Marine, Artco, and CGP played a major role in the event. Other instrumental companies were Marquette Transportation Company and Marine Solutions.
The program also included networking opportunities with industry partners, including Associated Terminals, American Commercial Barge Line, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, giving students a firsthand look at the various roles that keep the waterways functioning.
Kathy Olson, CEO of the Owensboro Museum of Science and History, reflected on the longstanding partnership with We Work the Waterways.
“We have proudly hosted this event for over a decade, serving around 2,000 local students through the program,” Olson said. “The Ohio River has always been the foundation of Owensboro. It’s vital for students and adults alike to understand the commerce it drives and the ecosystem it supports.”
The event was part of a national effort to increase access to maritime industry job opportunities and broaden public awareness of the economic and cultural importance of waterways.
