MIASF announces service tech apprenticeship program news

The Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) and Atlantic Technical College (ATC) have selected Jonathan Lowell, founder of Iguana Marine, as the instructor for the first yacht service technician apprenticeship program in Florida.

The two-year program, which will be administered online for the time being, gives apprentices a basic set of shipyard skills to jump start a career in the marine industry with on-the-job-training and coursework in areas such as, rigging, forklift and crane operation, pipefitting/plumbing, welding/fabricating, carpentry, and painting.

Lori Wheeler, MIASF vice president, said, “MIASF and ATC are thrilled to welcome Jon to the yacht service technician apprenticeship program. With his vast experience and extensive knowledge of vessel repair, he is a great asset to the program and someone who will be highly relatable to the apprentices entering the marine industry.”

Lowell grew up boating in Maine, where he says he learned the value of a strong work ethic. After high school, he joined the U.S. Army and spent the next several years working on heavy equipment and generators as a diesel mechanic.

He holds all seven professional designations offered by the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) and has earned the prestigious title of ABYC Master Technician certified in marine electrical, diesel engines, gasoline engines, marine systems, AC/refrigeration, corrosion, and composite materials. Lowell is also a professor in the Marine Engineering program at Broward College and an honors graduate of that program.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to share some of the knowledge I’ve acquired over the years with the next generation of marine industry workers,” Lowell said. “It’s an incredibly rewarding career path and I hope to help instill a sense of excellence, responsibility, and passion with the students.”

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