College isn’t for everyone.

That’s the reasoning behind a growing South Whidbey educational movement to get soon-to-be high school graduates into the workplace, not the university.

Despite a shaky economy and resulting layoffs, there are jobs out there — but in areas many young people may have ignored in the past.

Recently, a committed group of South End businessmen, politicians and educators met to talk about the employment future for students with science, technical, engineering or mathematical talents but lack the desire — or the wherewithal — for college.

According to South Whidbey High School employment counselor Eric Nerison, there is a shortage of skilled technical workers both nationwide and here at home, and he’s seeking help from the community.

Some of those in attendance at the high school earlier this month were exactly the people Nerison wants to reach. Ed Gemkow of Gemkow Construction was there, as was Rick Brewer from the Port of South Whidbey, Shannon Eshnaur and Archie Nichols of Nichols Brothers Boat Builders in Freeland, construction-business owner Dave Johnson and representatives from Skagit Valley College and the South Whidbey Schools Foundation.

Nerison explained that students with a solid work ethic and attention to detail are in high demand as machinists, welders and composite designers in a variety of Northwest industries. Those include companies involved in marine trades, communications, construction, aviation and automotive technologies.

Both the middle and high schools already offer courses that can lead to a career in the technical trades, Nerison said.

There are classes in advanced metal and wood fabrication, computer-assisted design, pre-engineering principles, digital technology and graphic design. There is a whole curriculum built around entrepreneurship, including merchandising, marketing, management and leadership.

“What we want to know from you is this: What is the best way to get kids interested and involved in projects that lead to quality jobs?” Nerison asked. “How can we best give students the chance to get immersed in the possibilities these courses offer?”

Several attendees noted the importance of providing experiences, project ideas and partnerships with local businesses. Nichols Brothers, for example, has given qualified students tours of the boat builders’ operation.

“Getting people — business people — involved in internships that lead to increased competency is a key factor,” Nerison said.

Port Townsend’s Northwest Maritime Center, planning to open in September, is exactly the kind of “immersive” vision Nerison was talking about. The facility is designed to be used by educators, students and visitors who want to learn more about the ways of the sea.

Clinton’s Herb Weissblum is on the center’s board of directors and an avid sailor. He said the center will be more than a static museum.

“It will feature a combined teaching and learning experience unique to the Northwest,” he said.

The education area holds a shipwright’s shop, bosun’s locker, classrooms and a special “messing-about-in-boats” shop where sailmaking, leather and rope work and family boat-building activities take center stage.

The center’s executive director, Stanley Cummins, explained that the real displays will be people working with others.

“The basic idea is to get folks, especially youngsters, to approach the sea from a mariner’s viewpoint,” he said. “We’ll be encouraging them to get up close with maritime concerns so they don’t lose their connection with Puget Sound.”

Another, more practical, aspect is to help local maritime industries.

Cummins said there are jobs going begging at local shipyards and boat builders.

“Even aboard ships there are labor shortages because fewer young people are interested in that world,” he said. “Finding qualified workers is a huge issue and that’s why we will concentrate on exposing children to the possibility of a marine-based career,” Cummins added.

To that end, the Center for Wooden Boats has begun a program to get seventh-graders on the water in boats, classes that include three to four days aboard a wooden schooner.

“They learn all about sailboats, longboats, row boats and the men and women who know how to tie a really good knot,” Weissblum said.

Nerison admitted that, with the school district going through some challenging times, resources may be scarce.

“That’s why partnerships in the community are so important, building relationships and getting the kind of support needed to get kids engaged,” he said.

“It’s a continuing process.”