Regional pre-apprenticeship program creates extra training model

This month, the  Rhode Island Marine Trades Association coordinated with employers and organizations in the Westerly area to run a three-week Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program.

The program’s curriculum focused on giving students a baseline of skills so they could move quickly into the workforce and continue training on the job.

According to RIMTA’s Director of Programs Brian Dursi, the stimulus for this program came from the involvement of employers in the area, including Frank Hall Boat Yard, Watch Hill Boat Yard, Avondale Boat Yard and Norwest Marine.

This was the first time RIMTA utilized the new Westerly Education Center for class room and shop space, and the first time RIMTA partnered with the CCRI Division of Workforce Partnerships.

The CCRI relationship would allow RIMTA to replicate the program at other CCRI locations — including Newport, Warwick and Providence.

Sponsored by Real Jobs Rhode Island, this three-week PAT program has established an additional model for short-term, entry-level training with a regional focus.

Other organizations that made the program possible were Gowrie Group, Kellogg Marine Supply, and New England Science & Sailing Foundation.

Companies that hire graduates can take advantage of Rhode Island’s Work Immersion Program, which reimburses employers 50 percent  of the new employee’s wages for the first 400 hours.

Members with questions about training programs and how to connect with entry-level workers can contact Brian Dursi at (401) 396-9619).