Boeing Launches Skilled Trades and Career Readiness Courses at AltaSea for Youth Facing Barriers to Employment

Program pairs hands-on electrical and welding instruction led by Dynamic Education with weekly interview practice, résumé building, and workplace readiness support from Sharefest.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles announced a grant from Boeing to support a new workforce development pilot program delivered in partnership with Sharefest and Dynamic Education. The 18-week program combines skilled-trades training in electrical and welding with career readiness coaching designed to help youth facing barriers to employment move from training to economic success.

The Boeing Company is a longtime supporter of AltaSea’s educational programming, dating back to 2018. This grant builds on Boeing’s continued investment in community-based programs that equip young people with skills and connect them with career opportunities.

“We’re proud to support AltaSea and its programs that serve as a powerful driver of workforce development in the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth and improved livelihoods,” said Mark Taylor, Boeing’s Senior Director, State Advocacy & Global Engagement. “The collaboration with Dynamic Education and Sharefest ensures that students leave the program ready to use the practical and valuable skills they learn on a real jobsite – a critical step toward a long career.”

The pilot cohort includes 12 Sharefest students from continuation high schools across the area. The cohort meets every Wednesday at AltaSea to participate in a full day of hands-on training led by Dynamic Education, along with Sharefest-led career development workshops, including practice interviews, résumé building, and other tools to help students translate new skills into real opportunities. The program runs through May 13, culminating in a graduation ceremony.

“Building a strong blue economy starts with building a strong pipeline of skilled people,” said Terry Tamminen, President & CEO of AltaSea. “Thanks to Boeing’s generosity and the good work of Dynamic Education and Sharefest, we are able to give young people the hands-on training and support they need to move from the classroom into good-paying careers.”

Dynamic Education delivers the instruction through hands-on training to build trade skills that align with real jobsite expectations. Headquartered in San Pedro and with outdoor classrooms located at AltaSea, Dynamic Education works with thousands of socio-economically challenged youth to provide skilled trades training in industries such as marine welding, marine engineering, nautical navigation, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and solar. Founded in 2013, Dynamic Education partners with schools, organizations, and businesses across California to ensure that young people have access to education and career opportunities.

“There are few places in the world where students can learn electrical and welding skills with an ocean breeze,” said Anthony DeSanto, founder and CEO of Dynamic Education. “These are the kinds of skills that lead to careers. AltaSea brings training, employers, and opportunity together for the next generation.”

The students are from Sharefest, a San Pedro–based nonprofit that supports continuation high school students across the LA area who face academic, social, and economic challenges with mentorship, career readiness training, and job placement support. Sharefest partners with schools, community organizations, and local businesses across California to help students translate their skills into meaningful education and career opportunities.

“This program is a true example of what’s possible when community partners come together,” said Chad Mayer, co-founder and executive director of Sharefest. “AltaSea provides the incredible space, Dynamic Education delivers hands-on technical training, and Sharefest brings the crucial element of career readiness and job placement support. Together, we’re giving students not just skills, but a clear path to turn this experience into a meaningful future.”