The ABYC Foundation announced that it launched its first Marine Trades Accreditation Program for schools that teach marine service.
The program is designed to ensure training at high schools and post-secondary schools that’s aligned with industry needs.
“ABYC has developed a lot of resources for schools, including a textbook, workbook and the Marine Service Technology curriculum,” ABYC Foundation executive director Margaret Podlich said in a statement. “The foundation publishes a biweekly newsletter and hosts the Educator Training Conference and Educator of the Year Award, all pointed at the marine service instructor. MTAP is a natural next step to providing the gold seal of approval recognizing top-level programs.”
Accreditation starts with becoming an ABYC Foundation Affiliated School, which includes ABYC membership and discounts on instructor and student training, access to ABYC standards and industry outreach.
To receive accreditation, schools must complete an application process, pass a board review and an on-site visit, and maintain professional development and academic training for instructors.
“Having an employee that comes to us from an accredited program allows us to cut down on a lot of time and expense in training,” said Leon MacCorkle, owner of Padebco Yachts in Round Pond, Maine. “I know they will have certain skills, and if they don’t have them memorized, they know what information is available through ABYC. That makes them a much more valuable employee.”
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