Thousands of boat owners use waterways from Schroon Lake to the Mohawk River each summer, driving demand for skilled marine technicians.
A new Marine Technology Program for adults is addressing that need, graduating its first five students at the Great Upstate Boat Show in Queensbury.
“Completing this program is a milestone, and we’re excited to recognize the growth, accomplishment, and potential each of you has demonstrated,” said Michelle Stockwell, administrator of Employment Training for Adults. “This achievement reflects not only your hard work and dedication, but also your commitment to learning valuable skills that will hopefully open doors in the marine industry.”
The 145-hour evening course at the BOCES Southern Adirondack Education Center trains entry-level marine service technicians in electrical work, engine theory, seasonal preparation, shrink-wrapping, safety and trailer repair.
Instructor Brian Foster taught graduates Jon Valastro, Nathan Winslow, Steve Mittler, Tannery Kennedy and Svitozar Zakhariia, from Ukraine.
“The marine business is a cornerstone of our local economy,” said Joel Holden, executive director of the Eastern New York Marine Trades Association. “We have tens of thousands of boats in our backyard. They all need to be maintained properly, for safety and enjoyment. This is a gateway to getting that done.”
Holden said the program could mirror a successful UA Local 773 apprenticeship.
A second course is planned for October.
Employment Training for Adults, a BOCES division, offers career programs across multiple industries.
Stockwell credited the Marine Trades Association, Saratoga Economic Development Corp., and the Saratoga, Warren, Washington Workforce Development Board with helping launch the program.
“Starting a program from scratch is never easy,” she said. “But with the guidance of industry experts and the commitment of our partners, it became a shared effort that is both achievable and meaningful.”
Stockwell said instructor Brian Foster played a key role in the program’s success.
Glenn Kelsey, co-owner of Dax Powersports, said the program provides a needed workforce pipeline.
“We don’t care how old a person is if they want to work and learn,” he said. “Sometimes maturity is a good thing because they’re a little more centered on what they want to do.”
The program offers employers a new source of entry-level workers.
“We’re looking into that avenue for sure,” Kelsey said.
For more information, visit www.etaprogram.org.