RIMTA launches summer marketing program geared toward millennials

BRISTOL, R.I. — This summer, the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association (RIMTA) will launch a new marketing program designed for Millennial participants. The first of its kind, the six-week Marine Trades Marketing Summer Work-and-Learn Program will give participants a valuable opportunity to develop skills and gain exposure to the marine industry and its career opportunities. Participants will also contribute a much-needed youth perspective to the marine-career marketing campaign, “Choose Your Office.”

“The marine-trades workforce and its customers are definitely graying—so as an industry, we are challenged to rethink how we promote boating and its careers to young people,” said Wendy Mackie, CEO of RIMTA. “This program is an important building block: it is a valuable learning and networking opportunity for participants and also a way to build a perspective on how our industry connects with the younger generation.”

The six-week program, which is open to participants ages 17 to 24, is coordinated by RIMTA and run in partnership with the University of Rhode Island College of Business. The program requires a 20-hour-a-week commitment and runs from July 7 to August 16.

The program is a paid work experience made possible by a grant from the Workforce Partnership of Greater Rhode Island. Individuals who are interested in water-based recreation, marketing, public relations and communications—including social media—are encouraged to apply to the program.

During the six weeks, participants will gain real-world experience and increase their employability by working as interns at RIMTA, taking part in field trips to local businesses, and attending workshops with industry marketing experts who will serve as mentors—including Jonathan Banks of Wavelink Marketing, Patricia Yeoman of Nautor’s Swan USA East, Susan Daly of Slipstream, and Neal Harrell of Brooks Marine Group.

Participants will also work in small teams to develop a strategy for RIMTA’s “Choose Your Office” campaign, a marketing effort launched in 2013 to increase awareness of career opportunities in the marine trades. An on-the-water segment of the program at Sail Newport with Team Sail LLC will give participants first-hand experience with the skills and excitement of boating.

Space is limited. Individuals interested in applying to the Marine Trades Marketing Summer Work-and-Learn Program can access an application at www.rimta.org.

Applications are due by June 16. Interested candidates can also contact RIMTA Industry Internship Coordinator Jacky McDonough (jacky@rimta.org / 401-396-9619) for more information.

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