Boating Industry Intelligence You Can Profit From
BROCKTON, Mass. – The three-year grant awarded to Massasoit Community College, Massachusetts Marine Trades Association (MMTA) and Bristol Community College in collaboration with MY TURN, Inc. through the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor & Workforce Development is proving its worth, organizers reported in a recent statement.
To date, 177 participants have completed one or more of the marine trades courses offered at Massasoit Community College or Bristol Community College; of these, 15 aspiring technicians have completed the internship program that was launched in fall 2008, the groups stated.
Despite the current economic struggle in this sector, grant organizers believe that the resurgence in recreational boating will come and with it a flow of jobs for trained, experienced technicians.
Marine certificate classes are held at Massasoit Community College’s Canton campus, which is also the location of its marine lab.
“It’s very satisfying to have a South Coast marina call you with an immediate marine technician opening, e-mail a group of graduates, and then hear back that two were hired, with both the employer and students very satisfied,” said Elaine Stewart, Dean of Workforce Development and Community Education at Massasoit Community College.
Another round of the 45-hour marine trades introductory classes will start at Massasoit Community College and Bristol Community College in the fall and are free to residents of southeastern Massachusetts.
“The fees for the additional marine trades courses offered in this program are extremely reasonable when compared to other professional development courses”, said Audrey Boucher, JIB grant coordinator at Massasoit Community College. “All the classes are taught by experienced marine technicians. Current workers can come to the program knowing that here they can learn new, valuable skills”.
Scholarship assistance is available through the MMTA. All classes are offered at night and upon completion of any course the student receives an industry recognized certificate signed by both the college and the trade association.
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