# Conference: Fostering Talent for the Future Ocean Technical Workforce

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · MARINE TECHNOLOGY SOCIETY, INC. (DC) · $49,450

## Abstract

By 2030 it is estimated that the marine industry will employ at least 40 million full time equivalent jobs. The need for resolving complex ocean issues, while developing whole new ventures related to economic stability, environmental health and national security will require a collaborative workforce with a transdisciplinary background. Many of the jobs needed to support these new ventures will not require advanced degrees in engineering or science but rather technical skills and competencies contributed by a number of disciplines, including ocean sciences, engineering, manufacturing, electronics and data science. However, there are few academic programs preparing the ocean technician talent pool with the skills required for the expanding needs of the marine technology workforce. Given the transdisciplinary composition of the ocean technical workforce, a spectrum of schools and programs must be aware of the workforce need and how they can offer pathways for their students to engage as ocean technicians. The Marine Technology Society (MTS) will host a workshop that will convene members of industry, research (government and academia), 2- and 4-year colleges, and the military to: 1) establish awareness and coordination between organizations; 2) identify needed skills/competencies for the ocean technical workforce for a variety of ocean applications; 3) identify pathways/bridges for students from non-oceanography focused programs into ocean technician jobs; and 4) identify educat

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2508375
- **Awardee organization:** MARINE TECHNOLOGY SOCIETY, INC. (DC)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** J9UMFEQ7AGJ6
- **PI:** Liesl A Hotaling
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOPS
- **Estimated total:** $49,450
- **Funds obligated:** $49,450
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2026

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2508375

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2508375, Conference: Fostering Talent for the Future Ocean Technical Workforce. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2508375. Licensed CC0.

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