A resident of Kennebunkport, Maine, John Caron spent his career in higher education and recently was looking for a new challenge. He heard that The Landing School of Boat Building and Design in nearby Arundel, Maine, was looking for someone to take the helm and made an inquiry.
“I wanted to apply my skills in a different context,” Caron told Trade Only Today. “I thought, ‘This is exactly what I’m looking for.’”
The board at the school was also looking to go in a little different direction. Instead of someone with experience in the marine industry, the members chose to look for someone who came from a higher education background. “I was in the right place at the right time and they were looking for me,” said Caron. “It all came together.”
Caron grew up in the coastal community Bristol, R.I., and was a boater. He frequented the Herreshoff Museum in town and enjoyed learning about boats.
To prepare for his new job, Caron did some research into the workforce challenges the marine industry faces in the state of Maine and throughout the country.
“I see an incredible connection for The Landing School to graduate students with the kills that employers want and need,” he said. “Currently, the school has about 30 students enrolled for the fall semester and expects a few more to sign up. Caron says the ideal “sweet spot” for students at the school is about 60. “My number one charge is to increase enrollment,” said Caron.”
The mix consists of young students ranging from 18 to about 24 years of age to somewhat older career changers who want to get away from a desk and work with their hands.
The Landing School has an initiative to attract female students and is working with a group called First10Forward. It was organized by women who graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The Landing School has applied for a $35,000 scholarship that would be available to a female student.
To maintain the legacy the school has, Caron also wants to better engage with alumni. “They have such a strong affinity to the school and would like to get involved with mentoring,” he said.
The school offers four programs with Marine Systems being the most in demand. That is followed closely by composite boatbuilding, yacht design and wooden boatbuilding. Tuition is about $27,000 per year and some of the programs last one year, resulting in the student earning a diploma and being certified as a marine technician. “The systems students tell me they need an agent because they get so many offers,” said Caron.
He wants to partner with vocational schools to create apprentice programs and connect with industry employers to make sure they’re aware of what The Landing School has to offer. When he’s not out on the road meeting industry leaders and raising funds, Caron hopes to sit in on some classes at the school to broaden his knowledge.
For enthusiasts who want to expand their understanding of boats and systems, he also hopes to offer more summer programs, offering workshops in building a pram, canoe or kayak and basic engine repair. “I’ve always wanted to build a little pram,” he said.
