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New Career Development Effort Unveiled by Marine Trades Association at Providence Boat Show

01/26/2009

January, 2009  Warwick, RI…In an effort to increase the skilled workforce needed by boat builders, service yards, marinas, dealers and hundreds of other marine businesses in Rhode Island, the RI Marine Trades Association is launching a major new outreach effort under the brand: BOATS WORK for Rhode Island.   Aspects of the new program will be presented in a huge pavilion on the top floor of the Providence Boat Show, January 29 February 1 and include how-to demonstrations by workers and students in the industry, information booths by schools and career development organizations, a Youth Day for Middle and High School Career Groups, and a Roundtable Discussion by industry leaders on The Future of Jobs in the Marine Trades in Rhode Island.

Under the aegis of the Governors Workforce Board, the State has recognized the Marine Industry as one targeted for growth and critical to the States economy…along with Construction, Health Care, Information Technology and Tourism.  As a result, there is a growing effort to more fully develop the skilled workers needed to keep one of the States oldest manufacturing industry alive and well. 

According to Andy Tyska, President of Bristol Marine and Chairman of RIMTAs Education & Training Committee, During the Boat Show, RIMTA will have representatives of the industry available to explain how boating impacts the Rhode Island community and economy as well as detail the types of careers available to Rhode Island workers plus career and training opportunities for students and those already in the field.

Demonstrations such as Outboard Maintenance, Sterndrive Maintenance, Basic Fiberglass Repair and Electronic Installation will be offered at selected hours of the show by workers and students who will offer practical information for boaters attending the Show.

Within the pavilion, three post-secondary marine trades schools -- the International Yacht Restoration School, MotoRing Technical Training Institute and New England Institute of Technology -- will be providing information about their facilities and programs.  In addition, MY-TURN INC. will be explaining its programs to help youth transition into education, training and the world of work.
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For specialized audiences, the Association will also be hosting a Roundtable Discussion by industry leaders on Thursday before the Boat Show opens.  And, on Friday, therell be a Youth Day at which MY-TURN will take middle and high school groups around the show and introduce them to careers in the field. 

The Marine Industry is one of the few sectors of the Rhode Island economy that is growing.  In a recent study, it was estimated that there are over 6,600 total jobs, paying nearly $260 Million in wages with an average salary of $39,400…higher than the average for all industries in the State!  Over 2,000 businesses -- nearly 10% of all private employers in Rhode Island -- are involved in the boating industry.  As one of the oldest manufacturing industries in the State, Mr. Tyska said, its easy to see why its part of the very fabric of Rhode Island 

For more information about BOATS WORK for Rhode Island, call Lisa DiRaimo, Executive Director, Rhode Island Marine Trades Association at 401-615-5419, go to www.rimta.org or visit the RIMTA Pavilion during the Boat Show at the Rhode Island Convention Center on the 5th Floor Ballroom Level at the East Escalator.