IYRS to launch skills course for marine careers
NEWPORT, R.I. – The International Yacht Restoration School of Newport will launch a new training program this fall to help more individuals gain the skills-training needed to begin careers in the marine industry. The program is designed to open more opportunities for workers while expanding the skilled workforce needed by area employers, IYRS said this week.
The training program is a nine-day course offered in early October and geared toward individuals with no prior training in the marine field. Held jointly at IYRS’ waterfront campus and the Newport County campus of the Community College of Rhode Island, the course will run from Oct. 2 to Oct. 13.
The program will cover basic skills, tools and machinery use, and safety procedures utilized by individuals working at boat yards, boat builders and other maritime operations. Coatings applications, basic carpentry, diesel engine maintenance, and boat hauling are areas that will be covered.
The course concludes with a focus on work-readiness skills such as resume writing and interviewing. Participants who successfully complete the program will be able to interview with area employers. Several of Rhode Island’s leading marine companies-such as Hinckley Yacht Services and New England Boatworks-will conduct job interviews on the final day of the program.
IYRS received two separate grants from the United Way of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Foundation to help establish the course. To shape the program to meet the needs of workers and the industry, IYRS collaborated with CCRI, the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training and marine industry partners.
The IYRS course is part of a larger state-wide initiative created by the United Way of Rhode Island called Skill Up Rhode Island.
An orientation and sign-up session will be held Sept. 14 at the Newport campus of CCRI. To register call 1-888-616-JOBS (5627).
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