Marine Skills Apprenticeship Program Launches

Posted on: May 10, 2019

Article via Great Lakes Community Action Partnership – May 9, 2019

Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted along with officials from the State of Ohio joined Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP) at a launch ceremony for Ohio’s first Marine Trades Apprenticeship program on May 9 at Lakefront Marina in Port Clinton. The launch event took place during Ohio’s In-Demand Jobs Week, May 6-10, during which the state’s employers, economic and workforce development professionals and officials promoted Ohio’s multitude of lucrative and rewarding jobs that are in high demand.

Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Randy Gardner; Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz; ApprenticeOhio Program Administrator Patrick Reardon; Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA Regional Service Manager Don Taylor; and GLCAP President/CEO Ruthann House joined Lt. Gov. Husted in signing a proclamation that recognized the impact of marine trades in the State of Ohio and the launch of the apprenticeship program.

“The purpose of In-Demand Jobs Week is to highlight the great careers available in Ohio and how to get the education and training you need to get started,” said Lt. Governor Jon Husted. “Businesses need talent and if you have the right kind of skills and training it can lead to a rewarding career. We want to help Ohioans, young and old, build the skills they need to earn more and support a good quality of life for themselves and their families.”

Trades such as marine mechanics, marine sales and other related careers are a vital part of Ohio’s economy, both in the Lake Erie region and throughout the state. In Ohio, the marine industry has an annual economic impact of $3.6 billion and supports more than 19,500 jobs statewide.

While GLCAP has offered marine trades training in the Ottawa County and Lake Erie region for almost two decades, the new apprenticeship program will offer additional opportunities and potential for job seekers and employers. The apprenticeship program will teach a greater range of skills to students; offer students more on-the-job training experiences with employers; and result in students earning a state-certified apprenticeship credential as a marine service technician upon completion of the course.

“There are many marine trade career options in our region,” GLCAP President/CEO Ruthann House said. “This apprenticeship program will provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to have a successful future in this industry.”

In addition, Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA announced that they will be donating textbooks for the apprenticeship course, and has provided engine simulators and Yamaha motors for training.

The first apprenticeship class will have a tentative start date of July 2019.