Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey signed the fiscal year 2027 state budget, which includes $150,000 in funding for workforce development and career technical education initiatives within the boating industry. The funding will continue programs the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association developed to address workforce challenges in the industry, the organization said in a press release.
The funds were introduced through budget amendments sponsored by Sen. Patrick O’Connor and Rep. Jessica Giannino, joined in leadership by Sen. Paul Feeney and Rep. Steven Xiarhos, the four co-chairs of the 60-plus-member Legislative Boating Caucus.
“Massachusetts’ marine industry supports thousands of good jobs and is an essential part of our coastal economy,” Healey said in the release. “This funding will help strengthen the industry by expanding workforce training and career and technical education, preparing more people for good jobs in the marine trades, and helping businesses find the skilled workers they need to grow.”
Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll added that expanding training and career pathways “can open doors for more people while supporting an industry that has long been an important part of our coastal communities.”
The funding will support schools that train for boating industry careers, and MMTA executive director Randall Lyons noted that the association has developed data resources, including a school overview project and workforce wage and benefits studies. Additional funding will go toward financial assistance for employee training, gift cards through the association’s “Tools of the Trade” program, and marketing outreach to connect workers with jobs.
The boating industry in Massachusetts has an economic impact of about $5 billion and employs approximately 18,000 people, according to MMTA. “Supporting our maritime workforce means supporting the families, businesses, and coastal communities that rely on this industry every day,” O’Connor said. “This workforce budget amendment will help expand career technical education and hands-on training opportunities, creating a stronger pipeline of skilled workers for our maritime sector.”
