For more than 40 years, Mercy Ships has delivered over 100,000 free surgeries to some of the poorest communities in the world. But behind every life saved is a reality few see: surgeries don’t happen without the trades.
Onboard Mercy Ships’ floating hospitals, every system is mission-critical. There’s no outsourcing at sea. If the power goes out, if the a/c fails in an operating room, or if plumbing stops working, surgeries stop.
That’s why Mercy Ships partnered with SkillCat, the leading online training platform for the skilled trades. Together, they’re equipping Mercy Ships’ HVAC technicians, plumbers, and electricians with free access to more than 200 SkillCat courses and certifications.
The result is a dual impact: volunteers keep the ships mission-ready while advancing their own careers. Some crew members have already completed dozens of SkillCat courses — with standouts like Joseph Kromah, Michel Nonhouegnon Hounye, and Prince Yeboah each completing over 80 courses while serving at sea.
For volunteers like Amogo Tendeng, a plumber from Senegal, the program is life-changing.
“SkillCat is not just a collection of information but a dynamic learning platform designed for flexibility,” said Tendeng. “I can log in and out at my convenience without losing progress, making it ideal for busy schedules. The content is clear, practical, and empowering.”
Other volunteers have used their time onboard to gain specialized training in electricity, HVAC fundamentals, and plumbing basics. Nicholas Ford, for example, completed courses in multimeter use, trade math, and piping, while Sidath Niang completed more than 20 courses to advance his technical skills.
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“Without our technical crew, life-changing surgeries would simply not be possible,” said Miranda Strawbridge, corporate maritime partnership lead at Mercy Ships. “SkillCat’s training lets our volunteers grow their skills at their own pace while continuing their selfless service.”
“This is workforce development with a purpose,” added Ruchir Shah, founder & CEO of SkillCat. “By training tradespeople onboard, we’re ensuring surgeries continue today — and volunteers leave with career-advancing certifications for tomorrow.”
Together, Mercy Ships and SkillCat are proving that skilled trades training isn’t just about jobs — it’s about keeping hope and healing afloat.
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