Pictured with the Seafarers’ House Executive Director Launa Carbonell are TECH Apprentice Engineers (L to R): Demetrius Belizario, Celestino Bautista, John Cunnigham, Robert Eckel Jr., and Devin Cherry
STAR Center’s TECH Apprentice Engineers were recognized by Seafarers House Port Everglades at a dinner in March honoring outstanding volunteerism to the organization. Seafarers’ House Executive Director Launa Carbonell presented the TECH class 115 with the award for “Outstanding Volunteer Team of the Year” in recognition of all the TECH program students who contribute through the year.
Seafarers’ House recognized the outstanding and selfless contributions of the STAR TECH volunteers for their invaluable assistance and support without which they would not be able to carry out their mission, Carbonell said.
Seafarers’ House at Port Everglades is a non-profit organization that offers support and services to seafarers and port workers. For the last 10 years, STAR Center TECH students volunteer and assist with the organization’s regular events and activities as well as with needed assistance around the Seafarers’ House located within Port Everglades.
The TECH Program, a one-of-its-kind pathway that started in 2014, provides selected candidates with the opportunity to proceed on a marine engineering career path and help fill the shortage of marine engineers.
The program targets those with an interest in the Merchant Marine and mentors them during intense training onboard ship and ashore.
The TECH program takes approximately two years to complete and alternates between classroom training and sea phases. Upon successful completion of the program, the individual commences career employment as a marine engineer with American Maritime Officers.