Port Houston welcomed more than 50 partners and transportation experts for a Registered Apprenticeship Program meeting with the U.S. Department of Labor and TransPORTS July 13 at the port’s executive building.

TransPORTS is a U.S. Department of Labor national industry intermediary, leading the development of nationally-registered apprenticeship programs in transportation and logistics with a focus on ports. The group provides technical expertise, incentive funding and ongoing support to organizations looking to start their own apprenticeship programs.

Port Commissioner Clyde Fitzgerald participated and welcomed the attendees. Port Houston's mission is to help promote economic development and support the workforce.

Registered apprenticeship is a proven model of workforce development that combines on-the-job learning with related technical instruction to increase skill level, wages and career opportunities.

“These kinds of programs are a great opportunity to capture and pass on knowledge to the next generation. Apprenticeships are important,” said Gilda Ramirez, Port Houston senior director of small business and education outreach.

“We would like to be the model for the nation,” added Barbara Murray, executive director of national apprenticeship for TransPORTS.

For more information about TransPORTs, please visit, www.transportsapprenticeship.com.