Colleagues,
Good news from Whittier Tech.
Whittier aims to address workforce challenges in the recreational boating industry by training skilled workers through evening and day programs. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the recreational boating industry in Massachusetts has an economic impact of $4.4 billion and employs more than 20,000 men and women. However, there is a substantial workforce shortage in the industry, both in Massachusetts and nationwide.
David
PR for Police, Whittier Tech Faculty Attend Massachusetts Marine Trades Association 2023 Business of Boating Conference
February 2, 2023 Alia Spring Client News, School News
Mike Murray, Marine Technology Instructor, and Tia Gerber, Director of Community Partnerships, attended the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association 2023 Business of Boating Conference.
HAVERHILL – Superintendent Maureen Lynch wishes to share that two Whittier Tech faculty members attended the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association (MMTA) 2023 Business of Boating Conference. Marine Technology Instructor Mike Murray and Director of Community Partnerships Tia Gerber attended the conference, which was held in Foxboro on Thursday, Jan. 26.
Murray attended the conference to connect with industry professionals and businesses in an effort to enhance the Marine Technology pathway for day and evening students. Murray has taught five semesters of evening education Marine Technology programs at Whittier, ranging from 75 hours to 200 hours in length. He is always searching for ways to enhance the curriculum.
“My vision for the Marine Technology program with the high school is to train a new generation of technicians that will help fill the gap in the Marine Trades labor force,” Murray said. “Whittier Tech’s strong relationship with Yamaha and the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association gives students both at the high school level and in the evening classes the ability to train on the newest technologies found in the industry and a good path for employment.” Gerber presented on a panel titled “Workforce Solutions Within the Recreational Boating Industry: Educational Panel Discussion Focused on Supporting School Programs Around the State” alongside colleagues from Bunker Hill Community College and Cape Cod Community College. Gerber spoke about how vocational schools and the marine industry can collaborate to fill the needs of the industry and provide students with a high-quality learning experience.
Through the Marine Technology pathway, students learn how to operate, maintain, repair, rebuild and install onboard systems, as well as hull maintenance and repair, marine canvas fabrication and repair, gas and diesel engine operation and repair, and
welding and precision metal fabrication. Support for Whittier’s Marine Technology pathway is provided by the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association, donations from Yamaha, and employer partnerships.
“Our Marine Technology evening education program is one of our most popular course options for adults, and we were pleased to go to this event and network with those who support these students,” Gerber said. “Employers in the marine industry are eager to work with us to help build their workforce. These partnerships are incredibly worthwhile, and we’re excited to continue to work with area businesses and see our students succeed.”
Whittier aims to address workforce challenges in the recreational boating industry by training skilled workers through evening and day programs. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the recreational boating industry in Massachusetts has an economic impact of $4.4 billion and employs more than 20,000 men and women. However, there is a substantial workforce shortage in the industry, both in Massachusetts and nationwide.
To learn more about Whittier’s day or evening marine technology program, please email Gerber at tgerber.
David J. Ferreira
MAVA Communications Coordinator
