The rapid growth of offshore renewable energy, subsea infrastructure, autonomous systems, and ocean technology is creating significant demand for a highly skilled underwater workforce. At the same time, employers face persistent shortages of qualified technicians, engineers, ROV operators, and marine professionals with the competencies needed to support increasingly complex operations. Addressing this challenge requires innovative workforce development models that connect education, industry, and government.

This presentation highlights the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland as a case study in building a responsive workforce ecosystem for the blue economy. Through industry-informed academic programs, applied research, customized training, and work-integrated learning, the Marine Institute prepares graduates and professionals for careers in underwater operations, marine engineering, ocean mapping, autonomous systems, and offshore industries.

The presentation examines how competency-based education, stackable credentials, experiential learning, and strong industry partnerships ensure that training remains aligned with evolving workforce needs. It will also explore strategies to increase participation by engaging veterans, women, Indigenous learners, career changers, and students from coastal communities, creating more inclusive pathways into marine careers.

Participants will gain practical insights into developing sustainable education-to-employment pipelines that support workforce readiness, innovation, and economic growth. By demonstrating how collaboration among academia, industry, and government can address critical skills shortages, this session provides a model for preparing the next generation of professionals to support safe, resilient, and technology-driven underwater operations throughout the global blue economy.