? Employer Spotlight: Vigor, LLC – Building America Together
Posted by katie.weibel
Through Vigor’s unwavering commitment to skilling up the next generation of maritime workers, our partnership with Portland Community College Career Pathways & STEP program has flourished, creating invaluable opportunities for our students. In 2008, Vigor and PCC Career Pathways recognized the urgent need for skilled welders in the industry, sparking a collaboration aimed at addressing this gap while meeting the economic needs of our community. PCC Maritime Welding Training Center, a state-of-the-art facility housed at Vigor shipyard, has become the cornerstone of this partnership, offering students real-world experience in the heart of the maritime industry. Todd Barnett, a Vigor employee and PCC instructor, alongside Mike Rasmussen, has been instrumental in the grassroots development of this program, successfully training hundreds of students since its inception. ???
At PCC Career Pathways & STEP, we see firsthand the transformative impact of this partnership on our students’ lives. Many of our graduates have overcome significant challenges, including incarceration, homelessness, and recovery from addiction, and are now stepping into well-paying careers with industry leaders like Vigor and Diversified Marine. Vigor’s dedication to this collaboration goes beyond just providing a training space; their staff have been actively involved in training, mentoring, and hiring our students, ensuring they are well-prepared for the workforce. Together, we’re not only addressing a critical skills shortage but also creating pathways to stability and success for those who need it most, strengthening our community and economy in the process. ?
