Captain Sandy's Charities is building a scalable maritime workforce pipeline that connects education, training, apprenticeships, and career opportunities to meet the growing demands of Florida's maritime industry. Maritime is essential infrastructure, moving more than 80% of global trade, yet workforce shortages in skilled trades and technical roles continue to limit industry growth.
Captain Sandy's Charities developed Steering Toward Success in partnership with Young Minds Inspired (YMI). This fully accredited program supports career preparedness, STEM, geography, and ELA standards — introducing students to maritime careers through hands-on activities, turnkey teaching kits, digital resources, and standards-aligned materials.
Middle & High School (Grades 6–12). Career Preparedness, STEM, Geography, and ELA aligned. Developed in partnership with the State of Florida and YMI.
Students are introduced to maritime careers through hands-on activities. The program includes turnkey teaching kits, digital resources, and standards-aligned materials delivered at no cost to schools.
Steering Toward Success Curriculum
Grades 1–3 & 4–6. ELA and S.T.E.A.M. aligned. Students explore Florida's waterways, marine ecosystems, and ocean stewardship while discovering ocean-focused careers.
Ocean Rangers CurriculumBeyond the Docks is the Captain Sandy's Charities YouTube channel, showcasing real maritime careers, industry professionals, and pathways. Students gain insight into career opportunities, industry skills, and life on and off the water.
Through professionally produced video episodes, students and educators gain awareness of the breadth of maritime opportunities — from engineering and crew operations to yacht brokerage and marine science.
Seven episodes are already live, with six core thematic modules filmed and available — covering STEM on superyachts, shipbuilding careers, crew operations, business careers, blue-economy science, and training pathways.
From entry-level certifications to advanced maritime licensing — training providers across Florida are building the skilled workforce the industry needs.
MPT provides industry-recognized certifications that prepare students and career-changers for maritime employment.
Bluewater Training, Resolve Maritime Academy, STAR Center
Atlantic Technical College, McFatter Technical College, Sheridan Technical College
Miami Dade College, Broward College
Hands-on paid training that bridges education to employment — building real skills in real workplaces.
Marine electrical systems installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting for vessels of all sizes.
Hydraulic systems repair and operation — critical for marine propulsion, stabilizers, and deck machinery.
Structural welding, metal fabrication, and repair — the backbone of shipyard and vessel maintenance operations.
Marine engine maintenance, propulsion systems, and mechanical troubleshooting across vessel types.
Full-spectrum shipyard skills — from haul-out and painting to hull repair, systems integration, and refit management.
Yacht Service Technician Apprenticeship — preparing the next generation of skilled maritime professionals.
Learn About ApprenticeshipsFlorida's maritime industry supports over 66,000 jobs and generates more than $14.6 billion annually. Opportunities span from local trades to global leadership roles.
Shipyards, marine service companies, technical trades, and port operations across Florida's maritime corridor.
Northrop & Johnson connects trained candidates with yacht owners worldwide through professional crew placement services.
Professional Yacht Crew (PYC) provides structured employment solutions for yacht crew advancing into leadership roles.
Real, measurable outcomes from our education programs delivered across Florida schools.
The organizations and institutions powering the maritime workforce pipeline.
Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County
Young Minds Inspired (YMI) — accredited K–12 curriculum development and delivery
Marine Industries Association of South Florida, Quantum Marine Stabilizers, FHG Marine Engineering, Wards Marine Electric, Gillen Yacht Services, Bradford Marine, MarineMax
Florida Department of Education
The Boating Capital of the World Specialty License Plate program will provide sustainable, ongoing funding for maritime employment, job training, education, and environmental education across Florida.
3,000 voucher reservations from Florida plate holders are required before the plate can be produced. Every voucher brings us closer to a self-sustaining funding model for the maritime workforce pipeline.
Reserve Your Plate — $35