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Workforce Development Program

PortMiami’s Workforce Development Program was launched in 2023 and seeks to ensure the Port and its maritime partners have access to a strong talent pipeline by enhancing opportunities for career development through apprenticeships, internships and access to industry-related academic programs.

PortMiami Workforce Development Program (WDP) is comprised of seven key components:

Partnerships

The Port has implemented a Workforce Development Program (WDP) whose purpose is to work with community organizations and Port partners to train, recruit and retain a strong labor force for the local maritime industry. The structure of the program is built upon partnerships with Port businesses, labor unions, career resource centers, academic institutions, and community groups. Under the WDP, the Port has identified and met with over 60 industry stakeholders to identify industry needs and build partnerships with Port businesses, career resource centers, academic institutions and community groups.

The PortMiami’s Maritime Workforce Assessment Questionnaire is being distributed to key stakeholders in the local maritime industry to assist PortMiami in assessing local industry talent needs. PortMiami is conducting a Workforce Needs Assessment by partnering with a university to assess the industry skills gap by outlining the current skills of the labor market and proposing what training/apprenticeships exists that was identified as a need by companies.

PortMiami has also partnered with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami (BBBSM) for the School to Work Mentoring Program.

Training

The Port’s educational focus under the WDP is to facilitate efforts that offer training opportunities for individuals in a variety of academic programs to be prepared to enter the maritime workforce. Examples include: 
  • PortMiami signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Miami Dade College’s Miguel B. Fernandez Family School of Global Business, Trade and Transportation, to partner on a program designed to meet the workforce needs of the trade and logistics industry 
  • PortMiami partnered with Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ Office of Postsecondary Career and Technical Education, and companies in the maritime industry to create one- and two-year apprenticeship programs which combine paid on-the-job training and classroom instruction to prepare maritime industry workers 
  • PortMiami’s Capital Development Division typically has at least a college or high school intern on staff that assist with projects i.e. construction, design/architecture, and engineering/project controls

Placement

Placing individuals from the community or those coming out of training into entry level jobs within the maritime industry is a primary focus of the Port’s WDP including: 
  • The Port is working with CareerSource South Florida, the local workforce development center, to further develop registered pre-apprenticeship and apprentice programs in specific areas that support the maritime industry 
  • Miami-Dade County launched www.workforce.miami, an easy-to-use website for job seekers and employers to find each other. Several Port partners are utilizing this website to recruit workers 
  • Miami-Dade County has already implemented successful year-round and Summer Internship Programs with Miami-Dade County Public Schools and local colleges. PortMiami’s new directive will be to create an intern curriculum that will expose young students to what they will need to understand how to attain those skillsets for a career at PortMiami 
  • PortMiami also participates in community job fairs in various locations around the County

Employee Benefits

Employee benefits provide a key avenue for employers to cultivate talent within a workforce. 
 
Under the WDP, the Port surveyed various employees on the seven components of the WDP structure (partnerships, training, placing, employee benefits, retention, tracking and funding) to identify skill gaps, hiring issues and employee needs.

Retention

Miami-Dade County has a long history of offering and supporting a work environment that encourages workers to succeed. Tuition reimbursement and access to career development programs are examples of some of the resources available through the County and local NGOs and non-profits to support employee success. 
 
The County’s investments in the local labor force and workforce training specifically will help to expand opportunities for County employees and area residents to upskill or reskill their training so they can remain competitive in our rapidly changing global economy. 
 
In keeping with PortMiami’s commitment to create a strong work quality for retention, the Port has developed Seaman Center Park, to provide seafarers and crew members on shore leave amenities that focus on recreational, spiritual, health/welfare, and financial/legal services. Also located at Seaman Center Park is the Seaman’s Cafe, a casual dining restaurant with table service and a convenience store to purchase personal items, snacks, and sundry goods. The Port is in the final stages of completing the 2050 Master Plan Study which includes a redevelopment of the Seaman Center Park.

Tracking

PortMiami has joined the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) and OIC of South Florida on the Build Better Careers Initiative to help connect traditionally underserved populations with career paths in accessing high-growth careers. A component of this collaboration is to develop goals and measurable results.

Funding

The Port continually seeks federal and/or state grant opportunities to help fund its workforce development program. With the above information and current outreach efforts, the Port is able to identify needs and opportunities to create nexuses among companies to address workforce development. 
 
For more information, please get in touch with Elizabeth Owens, Strategy Officer, 305-347-4869, [email protected].