Marine trade associations across the country are looking to the future and taking action to address the need for workforce development. Here are some examples of note.
The Michigan Boating Industries Association announced the addition of a workforce development director to the staff. Kelly Kerchoff will lead the effort; she has more than 15 years of experience in education.
“In the last few years, workforce development has grown to be the MBIA’s top priority,” said executive director Nicki Polan. “The workforce development director position is new for us, and we’re convinced it will significantly elevate our work already underway. Cultivating and maintaining a workforce, especially marine technicians, is essential for our members and our industry to keep boats on the water. We are excited to watch our programs grow now with Kelly’s expertise and ambition.”
Kerchoff will be responsible for creating career awareness to include an emphasis on building and maintaining relationships with secondary counselors and students. In addition, she will grow, support and promote post-secondary marine educational programs, as well as professional development for the current workforce. And she will build a program that invites veteran technicians to become the next generation of teachers.
The Massachusetts Marine Trades Association has been engaged in workforce development programs that operate through its non-profit Massachusetts Marine Trades Educational Trust for more than five years. The objective has been to attract young people to pursue technical education and training opportunities across the Bay State.
In addition, an MMTA workforce development website provides comprehensive information on marine industry careers, schools and training programs, scholarship opportunities, and updates to its job postings. MMTA also has produced two videos that highlight industry jobs and lead viewers to the educational trust website.
Executive director Randall Lyons successfully pursued a provision in the state’s budget that included $150,000 in funding for the workforce development and career technical education efforts. Lyons worked closely with a 60-plus-member Legislative Boating Caucus to get it in the 2023 budget.
The Ohio Marine Trades Association uses its boat shows to promote workforce training and job opportunities. At its upcoming Progressive Cleveland Boat Show (Jan. 18-21), a newly designed Boat Training Center will be unveiled. It will feature a daily schedule of marine career counseling presentations led by Gary Tennefoss (Ravenna Marine and OMTA chairman) and Nate Moyer (Oasis Marinas). In addition, at four times daily, the center will have “Talk to a Tech” sessions in which visitors can informally chat with dealership service personnel about careers and opportunities. And the exhibit will feature a job board.
In Seattle, the Northwest Marine Trade Association holds a Career Fair Day at its Seattle Boat Show (Feb. 2-10). “Our recreational boating industry here is experiencing tremendous growth, and we have many well-paid openings to offer right now,” said NMTA president George Harris. “Dozens of affiliated businesses will have representatives present to discuss their opportunities. Participating businesses will include marine dealers, local boatbuilders, yacht outfitters, boatyards and marinas, and more. All are experiencing growth, creating many job opportunities.”
According to Harris, the hundreds of Career Fair attendees expected to converge on the Lumen Field Event Center will find immediate openings, especially for experienced mechanics, fiberglass construction and repair personnel, general technicians, skilled laborers, customer service, and sales and administrative posts.
In addition, all Career Fair attendees get free admission to the show so they can explore the products and businesses, talk to exhibitors and learn more about the boating industry.
Of course, many other marine trade associations are stepping up to address workforce issues in a variety a ways. It’s just one of many ways you can benefit by supporting your local association with your membership.
