b'Q&A sessions for new hires, Washington State Ferries hastheyve come. In the summer of 2024, WSF had 617 sail-implemented several methods of communicating with em- ings canceled due to lack of crewing. From June 15 to Sept. ployees about support programs and other opportunities21, 2025, that number dropped to 191. Its proof positive for individuals interested in furthering their careers withof all theyve accomplished in growing a robust crew and the organization. The word is out, she said. If yourestaff. The investments in the engine room, deck crew, and curious about how to move up in Ferries, well tell you. terminal staff made these results possible. Examining employment needs is an ongoing process andThe program with MITAGS has been a huge success. With theteamisconsideringnewprogramsandstrategiestonew hires coming on at a steady rate, WSF has decided to reach more future ferry workers. But they can be proud ofoperate the program every other year instead of annually. what they have accomplished already. The time, effort, andHunter noted that Neveys leadership has been very im-creativity that has been put into workforce developmentportant to the organizations turnaround of employment has paid off for WSF. The report in 2019 showed themchallenges, saying that it took a mariner to figure out how facing a critical situation of many licensed officers and en- togetmoremariners.Consideringthemanygroupsof gine room staff retiring within five years. They are now atyoung people that WSF has found ways to connect with, a point where crew are joining at the same rate workers areshe described them as the untapped next generation of retiring, stabilizing the workforce.mariners. They dont even know it, Hunter said. They dont even know about these jobs. Were trying to get the Just the statistics in the Long Range Plan defined the crisisword out as much as possible. That doesnt just benefit us, they faced, they now have the numbers to prove how farit benefits the whole industry.DOCK TO DOCK EFFICIENCYPHOTO: WASHINGTON STATE FERRIESOur waterjets represent the pinnacle of all-round operational efficiency, agile manoeuvrability, for swift turnarounds, and durability.www.hamiltonjet.com15 OCTOBER 2025'