RIMTA offers pre-apprenticeship program this winter
Bristol (R.I.) December 18, 2013 — The Rhode Island Marine Trades Association (RIMTA) will offer a second session of its Marine Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Program this winter. This intensive, 5 1/2-week training program is a proven path to employment in the marine trades.
Launched in 2013, the Marine Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Program is for individuals who are over 18 and looking to gain the skills needed for entry-level positions in the marine industry; the training can also lead to post-secondary or continued apprenticeship training for those candidates who want to deepen their skills further. Graduates of the first session of the program, which was run this past summer, were all offered full-time employment from Rhode Island marine companies within 30 days of their graduation.
The Marine Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Program is made possible by an Innovative Partnership grant awarded by the Governor’s Workforce Board of Rhode Island. The $142,788 grant that was awarded to RIMTA earlier this year was part of $1.97 million in Innovative Partnership funding for programs designed to bring employers and educational providers together to develop career opportunities for students, out-of-school youth, and unemployed or underemployed adults.
The program—which requires a full-time commitment—is free for trainees. Applications can be found at the RIMTA website (www.rimta.org) and space is limited. Applications must be submitted in January, and classes are slated to begin in late February.
RIMTA has worked with local educational and employer partners to develop and run the program, including IYRS, New England Institute of Technology, Hinckley, Hunt Yachts, New England Boatworks, Pirate Cove Marina, LaserPerformance and Newport Shipyard.
The pre-apprenticeship program gives participants hands-on skills training in several entry-level areas, including: painting, varnishing, composites, hauling, rigging, fork and travel lift operation, shrink wrapping, and winterizing & commissioning. Participants will also receive training in safety procedures, knot tying, tool handling, industry terminology, and overall job-readiness skills.
Companies who hire graduates of the pre-apprenticeship program will continue the student’s entry-level training in an on-the-job setting. The grant funding will pay for one-half of the salary for pre-apprenticeships who remain in their job for 90 days, up to a set cap limit.
To access an application to the program, interested candidates should visit www.rimta.org or contact Jen Cornwell, RIMTA Workforce Development Coordinator (jen@rimta.org / 401-396-9619).
