Friends of Vocational Technical & Agricultural Education,
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.
Chapter 74 Marine Technology students from Whittier Tech and other voc-tech schools are filling the is workforce shortage in the boating industry.
Davidor Poce, Fire,
Whittier Tech Marine Technology Students Earn Certificates from Yamaha
May 10, 2024 Robert Mills /John Guilfoil Public Relations LLC Client News, School News
Marine Service Technology Instructor Mike Murray, at center in blue, stands with some of the students who received their Yamaha On Board Certificates last month. From left are Martin Abreu Alvarado of Haverhill, Lincoln Gilbert of Haverhill, Mia Medeiros of Rowley, Daniel Carron of Haverhill, Joshua Lasher of Haverhill, Colby Ferguson-Torrey of Haverhill, Leonidas Flores of Haverhill, CJ Gilbo of Georgetown, and Liam Hanson of Haverhill.
Superintendent Maureen Lynch is pleased to report that 14 students in the Whittier Tech Marine Service Technology Shop earned their Yamaha On Board Certificates last month.
The certificates, which signify that the students are qualified to work on Yamaha boat motors, were provided on April 23 and 24 when Yamaha representative Mike Hussni came to the school to present them. Hussni also spent time with students, who work under the direction of Marine Service Technology Instructor Mike Murray and offered advice as students asked for tips of the trade. Murray also provided each student with a starter tool kit bag.
“Never be afraid to ask questions. Focus on your skills and work hard. There are many opportunities to grow in this field,” Hussni told students. “You are starting ahead with everything you have learned and will continue to learn from Mr. Murray. The skills he is teaching you will set you up for success.”
Yamaha representative Mike Hussni speaks with students in the Marine Service Technology Shop.
Whittier launched the Marine Service Technology program following successful implementation in the adult education program. Current sophomores are the first class to make their way through the shop.
Students who choose to pursue the pathway 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. They also earn relevant certifications, learn how to operate a boat safely, and obtain their boating license. Students will have the opportunity to earn their captain’s license during their senior year. 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.
Sophomore and Freshman students who earned their certificates are:
- Martin Abreu Alvarado, sophomore, Haverhill
- Daniel Carron, sophomore, Haverhill
- Colby Ferguson-Torrey, sophomore, Haverhill
- Leonidas Flores, sophomore, Haverhill
- Lincoln Gilbert, sophomore, Haverhill
- CJ Gilbo, sophomore, Georgetown
- Forrest Gonzales, sophomore, Ipswich
- Daniel Hanshumaker, sophomore, Haverhill
- Liam Hanson, sophomore, Haverhill
- Connor Hastings, sophomore, Amesbury
- Parker Jolivet, sophomore, Amesbury
- Joshua Lasher, sophomore, Haverhill
- Corey Stafford, sophomore, Haverhill
- Mia Medeiros, freshman, Rowley
“Being certified means I can work on more Yamaha motors,” said Joshua Lasher, a sophomore from Haverhill. “This has been a great opportunity to advance my skill set.”
“I love being on the water, everything about it. Working on motors, doing an oil change, you name it,” said Parker Jolivet, a sophomore from Amesbury, when asked what he enjoyed most about the program.
David J. Ferreira
MAVA Communications Coordinator
DavidFerreira
