Amo Meets with Future Marine Trades Workforce and Blue Economy Leaders, Releases Blue Economy Report

Providence, RI - TODAY, Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI) continued his 2026 Blue Economy Tour with visits to North Providence High School's Marine Trades Program and Polaris MEP's Manufacturing Day, highlighting the future of Rhode Island's marine trades and manufacturing workforce. Following the stops, Amo led a roundtable with local environmental, labor, fishery, education, and business leaders to discuss the future of Rhode Island's maritime economy and released his 2026 Blue Economy Report.

"Rhode Island's Blue Economy is rooted in our maritime heritage and powered by the workers, students, and innovators building what comes next," said Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI). "This year's tour of our Blue Economy is highlighting exciting opportunities to grow good-paying jobs, strengthen our marine industries, and protect the waters that sustain us. I'll bring these ideas back to Washington and keep fighting for the investment and support Rhode Island needs to lead the way."

The full 2026 Blue Economy Report can be found here.

"RI's Future in the Making gives students the opportunity to see firsthand what a career in modern manufacturing can look like. By connecting them with local manufacturers and letting them experience the technology, creativity and problem-solving that drive the industry, we can open their eyes to career paths they may never have considered. Investing in these experiences today helps build the skilled workforce Rhode Island manufacturers will need to grow and succeed in the years ahead," said Matt Watson, Center Director of Polaris MEP.

"The Marine Trades pathway at North Providence High School is a perfect example of what our community believes CTE should encompass-students learning by doing, developing real-world skills, and seeing a direct connection between their education and future careers," said Melissa Caffrey, Director of Pathways for the North Providence School District. "Our students are not simply learning about boatbuilding, composites, systems, and marine technology; they are working alongside industry partners, earning credentials, building confidence, and discovering opportunities they may never have considered before being an active participant in this program of study. What makes this program especially exciting is the collaboration between our school, the marine trades industry, and our community. We are preparing students for high-skill careers while showing them that their future can begin right here in North Providence."

Background

Congressman Amo's 2026 Blue Economy Tour has highlighted the research, skilled workers, and businesses driving Rhode Island's maritime economy. Amo visitedREGENT Craft, where he helped cut the ribbon on their new electric Seaglider factory. Next, Congressman Amo visited Roger Williams University's shellfish farm and research facilities to explore advances in shellfish production, aquaculture, and blue biotechnology. Amo touredHinckley Yachts' Portsmouth facility to discuss the skilled trades and maritime jobs that keep Rhode Island moving. Later, Congressman Amo visited Solid State Power to highlight the importance of new battery technology to maritime innovation.

Rhode Island's Blue Economy directly employs 36,000 Rhode Islanders and contributes over $5 billion to the state's gross domestic product every year.

In 2024, Congressman Amotoured Rhode Island's First Congressional District to highlight the Ocean State's leadership in the Blue Economy across labor, education, business, and defense.

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