We Work the Waterways Happening Today

VICKSBURG, Miss – We Work the Waterways, a national education outreach program will host an Industry Interaction Day for high school seniors on February 7, 2025 at the Hinds Community College Maritime Training Center Vicksburg Warren Campus in Vicksburg, MS in partnership with maritime stakeholders. The event is an immersive interaction with the maritime, shipping and logistics industries that highlight the importance of our nation’s waterways and the diversity of available career paths.

Hundreds of high school students from Vicksburg and surrounding areas will experience visually engaging presentations and interactive stations at the Maritime Training Center, the Lower Mississippi River Museum and Ergon Marine.

We Work the Waterways brings the industry to the students; through education, hands-on learning and in-person networking opportunities with maritime representatives. Onsite event displays provide first-hand experiences with skills such as line throwing and knot tying, a man-overboard drill and more.  Students will also learn more about the industry in their own community and the lifelong career paths the waterways have to offer. 

“Our Industry Interaction Day Programs are a collaborative effort between maritime, shipping, and logistics professionals at all levels, schools, local governments, and businesses to reach thousands of students annually and equip them with resources for their future professional development while fostering lasting connections,” said Errin Howard, Director of We Work the Waterways.

Maritime industry partners for this event include:

• Associated Terminals
• Turn Services
• Golding Barge Line
• Magnolia Marine
• Ergon Marine
• Big River Salvage Company
• Terral River Service
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• U.S. Coast Guard
• Yazoo River Towing
• Warren County Port Commission
• Hinds Community College Vicksburg Warren Campus
• Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum

Elected officials and media outlets are encouraged to attend and will be escorted through VIP access. America’s waterways and its workers have played a vital role in shaping a vibrant business life. We Work the Waterways is aligned to increase access to maritime industry job opportunities while educating and broadening public awareness of the economic, historical, and cultural contributions of one of the state’s most iconic and thriving industries. We Work the Waterways is steering the way to expose young people and guide them through the process of building a career in the maritime industry.

For further inquiries contact Errin Howard 513.403.9312 or Pam Maxwell 662.497.2575 or visit https://www.irpt.net/we-work-the-waterways/