The first class of Yamaha-trained technicians received their certifications from Lamar State College – Orange in Texas. Five students last week were certified as Yamaha Marine Technicians. According to Orangeleader.com, they all have jobs waiting for them. In one case, a 16-year-old who completed the course has multiple offers.
John Thompson, 20, of Kirbyville, Texas, was looking for work when his mother tagged him on a Facebook post about the course.
“I already liked working on motors,” John told the paper. “I was taught new things I did not know. I am glad she showed me and helped me get here.”
“It’s wonderful,” John’s mother, Sonia, told the paper. “I am glad he found something he wanted to do.”
David Middleton, 18, took the course as a high school student. Now, he already has a job.
Another graduate, 16-year-old Douglas Ruth, has had multiple offers. “I did not think this was possible to have career options and a career where I can be self-sufficient before I graduate high school,” Ruth told the paper.
“We are proud to partner with programs like Lamar State College – Orange to offer careers in the marine industry as Yamaha Marine Technicians,” Gregg Snyder, Yamaha Marine’s department manager of service training, told Trade Only Today. “Offering students the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills helps prepare them for success and with a Yamaha certificate these students are more employable as technicians.”
