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  Tuesday, March 09, 2010
 Excellent Skills for Excellent Careers!



Careers in the boatyard industry are exciting and rewarding, and they are backed up with a 'career path' that provides ongoing opportunities to expand knowledge and skills over time. For this reason the WCBA and industry partners are working hard to make sure that excellent, relevant training programs are available for both newcomers and long term employees in the industry.

Training programs are provided by both public and private institutions. Responsibility for provincially-recognized industry training, including apprenticeships, is the role of the Industry Training Authority of BC (ITA). Information about available programs and where they are offered can be found on their web site - www.itabc.ca

The ITA-recognized recreational marine industry training programs in BC at the current time are:

  • Marine Foundations
  • Marine Repair Technician
  • I/O Mechanic
  • Marine Engine Mechanic
  • Outdoor Power Equipment Technician

 

Marine Foundations Program

The Marine Foundations Program is a four-week full time (120 Hours) introduction to a wide range of occupations in the boatyard industry. It provides an overview of the industry workplace, basics of boat/yacht terminology and design, and introductory instruction in the materials, tools and basic hand skills necessary for entry level employment.

The Marine Foundations Program is currently offered by Quadrant Marine Institute - www.quadrantmarine.com

 

 
 Marine Repair Technician (MRT)

This a four-level apprenticeship training program available to employees in the marine industry. It is workplace competency-based, which means that on-the-job skills must be achieved and assessed in the workplace before certification. The MRT receives theory training in a wide range of subjects related to boat/yacht building, repair and maintenance. Every apprentice must learn about all aspects of the vessel and a have a working understanding of the various occupations in the industry. Specialization is based on the apprentice's workplace and what they actually do on the job. Areas of specialization include composites technology, marine woodwork, mechanical, electrical and vessel systems installations, and sailboat rigging.

The MRT program is available from Quadrant Marine Institute - www.quadrantmarine.com

 

 

 

  I/O Mechanic

Inboard/Outboard Mechanics repair and service stern drive installations and outboard engines. Training also includes maintenance and systems installations (rigging) for small to medium sized outboard and I/O powered boats.

Entry Level Technical Training (ELTT) and Apprenticeship training are currently available at Malaspina University College - www.mala.bc.ca , Thompson Rivers University - www.tru.ca, and British Columbia Institute of Technology www.bcit.ca . Check the ITA web site listed above for additional trainers in this field.

 

 
 Marine Engine Mechanic

The Marine Engine Mechanic Apprenticeship is a four-year time-based certification for mechanics working with diesel installations. There is no recreational marine specific training available. Training for this trade certification is composed of Levels 2 and 3 of the Heavy Duty Mechanic apprenticeship. Check the ITA web site listed above for trainers providing HD Mechanic programs.

 

Outdoor Power Equipment Technician (OPET)

OPET training and apprenticeships prepare workers for jobs working with a variety of small engine applications, including outboard motors. The focus of these programs varies from school to school, so it is best to enquire directly with the institutions offering this program. Check the ITA web site listed above for colleges offering OPET programs.



The New Marine Mechanical Technician Apprenticeship (MMT)

In 2006 a group of recreational marine industry employers and representatives of the West Coast Boatyard Association, the BC Marine Trades Association and the BC Yacht Building Association initiated an effort to create a new apprenticeship program for boatyard industry mechanical technicians. The group is called the Marine Industry Workforce Development Committee (MIWDC) and its activities are funded by Service Canada. The MIWDC has received financial support from the Industry Training Authority of BC to develop the new program, which is expected to be available on a pilot basis in the fall of 2008.


The MMT will be a workplace competency-based apprenticeship available to workers in a wide range of boatyard situations, dealing with everything from outboards to heavy diesel yachts. Core training will include basic engine mechanics, hydraulic, electrical, metal working, vessel systems installations in addition to safety, business practices and vessel design. Apprentices will choose from three areas of specialization:

  • Diesel Engines
  • Gasoline Engines
  • Outboard Engines


Those who choose Diesel or Gasoline must then complete training in either Stern Drives or Inboard Drive Trains.
The training will be modular, which means there are no 'levels' or 'years', but instead the training will be subject based and completed when and as needed by the trainee.

Further information can be obtained from Betty Notar, Chair of the MIWDC, at 250-480-0086 or bettynotar@shaw.ca

January 2008 MIWDC Bulletin


Watch for updates on the new MMT Program on this page.
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