MIAMI — Evinrude, the American Boat and Yacht Council and the National Marine Distributors Association announced today at the Miami International Boat Show that Evinrude will donate $2 million worth of ETEC G2 3.4L V-6 outboards to the ABYC Foundation in support of next-generation technician training.
The donation, which the groups say is the largest of its kind ever made, will support students in high schools and colleges in the United States and Canada. NMDA will provide matching funds to assist schools with costs associated with purchasing test tanks, tools and shipping outboards.
“Boats are becoming increasingly more integrated, which requires technicians to be well-versed in a multitude of advanced systems,” said Evinrude senior vice president and general manager Tracy Crocker in a statement.
“By donating Evinrude engines and our training curriculum, we are providing the tools necessary to increase the number of certified professionals trained to service modern, technologically-advanced direct fuel-injection engines,” Crocker said. “Furthermore, we are maintaining Evinrude’s long-standing commitment to the marine industry, while meeting dealer demands for additionally trained and talented employees.”
The engine donation includes access to the entire Evinrude training curriculum, including fundamentals and professional level online courses. Upon successful completion of the curriculum, students will have the option to transition to the certification-level course at Evinrude’s technical training centers.
“Evinrude’s donation will provide these students hands-on experience servicing marine engines based on ABYC’s current curriculum and is a key step in ABYC’s efforts to address the shortage of qualified marine technicians,” ABYC president John Adey said. “While ABYC’s curriculum is general in nature, the addition of manufacturer-specific training enhances the value of the student to potential employers.”
