PHOTO COURTESY NIBSThe Newport International Boat Show has teamed with the Rhode Island Marine Trade Association to support workforce development at local high schools.
Rhode Island’s Toll Gate High School, North Providence High School and Chariho Regional High School offer marine technology courses as part of the career and technical education curriculum. The state’s CTE regulations allow students to enroll in any program in the state for free. There are about 100 students enrolled in marine technology programs that offer instruction in several sectors, including boat construction, composites and systems.
“These high school programs represent the future of our industry and create a straightforward pathway to jobs for these students, and we’re thrilled to be supporting them,” Jocelyn Emory, director of marketing for the Newport International Boat Show, said in a statement. “We are committed to supporting their career development in the marine trades, and these programs offer young boating enthusiasts the ability to learn hands-on, both in the classroom and in the industry.”
The Newport show will contribute $1,000 toward the programs’ career awareness goals and offer students enrolled in marine technology programs discounted admission. The boat show is scheduled for Sept. 12-15 at Newport Yachting Center.
“One of the key purposes of our organization is to focus on workforce development, and we are grateful to the Newport International Boat Show for helping us support these students,” said Brian Dursi, executive director, of RIMTA. “This is a great opportunity to get students out of the classroom and for them to experience one of the most prestigious shows in the country right here in Newport.”
