How can you help?
The high demand for service technicians is a common theme at marine industry conferences. We know as an industry, one of the biggest challenges for boaters is the time and money associated with maintenance and repairs. You can make a difference—here’s how:
Donate to scholarship funds! The ABYC Foundation’s scholarship fund supports students eager to enter the marine trades but held back by financial barriers. Many of our recipients go on to work at local boatyards, dealerships, and service shops.
Reach out to schools that may be considering a new program or are expanding their current program. Here are some potential talking points:
Share an infographic with the economic impact of recreational boating in YOUR state!
Talk with school administrators about the curriculum resources available to them from the ABYC Foundation. Here’s a handy flyer.
Share your business’ story and your need for summer hires, and career employees
Offer to assist your local schools either from a financial standpoint with a donation if that’s appropriate or with equipment, engines, tools, PPE, or other miscellaneous items
Offer to work with one of the schools on an internship or mentorship program, and to serve on their marine program’s advisory board
Participate in a job fair either in person or remotely. Encourage students to learn more about the recreational boating industry as well as the benefits of working in the industry and for your business specifically. Focus on culture and life balance as these are becoming increasingly important to those entering the workforce
Offer to purchase tool gift cards for graduating students