Doug Ward is passionate about the maritime industry and preparing today's youth for work in it.

The Director of Shipyard Development for Vigor Alaska Shipyard and Drydock, Inc., Ward spoke at the Chamber of Commerce's Annual Banquet last Saturday.

TWI, or training within industry, began in World War II days, "teaching old dogs new tricks" to keep industries going during the war. Now referred to as career technical programs, they're usually expensive and often the first cut.

"And yet, for a lot of our kids ... a career technical education is essential to their wellbeing as well as our wellbe...