by Knight Trainees

The Alexandria Seaport Foundation operates an apprentice boat building program in a warehouse on the bank of the Potomac River. It's a wonderful collaboration between guys (and some gals) with lots of gray hair and young folks who have had some trouble getting started with their lives. Both groups seem to get a lot out of the experience.

  • At the Alexandria Seaport Foundation in Alexandria, Virginia, they build boats.
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    At the Alexandria Seaport Foundation in Alexandria, Virginia, they build boats.
  • This is a launch, destined for a lake in North Carolina.
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    This is a launch, destined for a lake in North Carolina.
  • But more than boats are built here.
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    But more than boats are built here.
  • An apprentice program run by a small paid staff, and older volunteers, aims to teach job skills to at risk youth.
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    An apprentice program run by a small paid staff, and older volunteers, aims to teach job skills to at risk youth.
  • For the apprentices, it's a chance to learn responsibility, like showing up for work on time, and eventually, a trade.
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    For the apprentices, it's a chance to learn responsibility, like showing up for work on time, and eventually, a trade.
  • For the volunteers, its also a chance for mucking about in boats.
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    For the volunteers, its also a chance for mucking about in boats.
  • Hand planes are among the many tools employed....
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    Hand planes are among the many tools employed....
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  • 22 year old Jose Ramirez was a bartender. His apprenticeship completed, he now hopes to land a job as a union carpenter.
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    22 year old Jose Ramirez was a bartender. His apprenticeship completed, he now hopes to land a job as a union carpenter.
  • Collaboration is another skill learned at the foundation.
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    Collaboration is another skill learned at the foundation.

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—bn