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Lacombe, LA –Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC) celebrated the graduation of their inaugural Marine Service Technician (MST) program at the Lacombe Campus on Wednesday, April 19, 2023. Funds from a Department of Labor/Delta Regional Authority grant provided the equipment and curriculum needed to start the first approved Yamaha Marine University (YMU) technician program in Louisiana. This partnership allows NTCC to have dealer-level access to Yamaha Marine business systems, engines, parts, and manuals. YMU provides current, market-relevant resources, products, certifications, and curricula for students interested in pursuing a career as a marine technician.
The goal of the MST program is to provide quality instruction in Marine Service Technology and set the standard in training for the future growth of the outboard marine industry on the Northshore. This program is designed to teach entry-level technicians all they need to know to begin a career in marine service technology. The inaugural class participated in a 10-week course designed with classroom and hands-on comprehensive training and testing to provide the student a basic understanding of outboard systems and begin a career in the marine repair industry. Seven students completed the entire program and received 8 industry-based certifications (IBC): YMU’s Introduction to Outboard Systems and Basic Maintenance, NC3’s Precision Measuring Instruments, and OSHA’s Forklift Operator.
NTCC Chancellor, Dr. William Wainwright, was elated to see the first cohort of Marine Service Technician students complete their initial certifications. “The capacity to start a new marine service program at NTCC demonstrates the need for skilled technicians in our region. Being able to purchase new equipment to launch this program will help provide much-needed trained professionals to begin marine service careers throughout the Northshore.”
This program began as a conversation between local marine business owners and our WIOA office, Tri-Parish Works. “Our local boat dealers and marina owners expressed their need for skilled marine service technicians, which creates long wait times for boat services and repairs,” said Dr. Jim Carlson, Vice Chancellor of Strategic Initiatives. “As a college, we answered their call for help and provided a new workforce training opportunity that is unique, but much needed in our region. Tri-Parish Works also received a grant for each graduating technician to receive a starter mechanics toolset to begin their careers.”
“At the heart of our mission is being able to provide affordable, accessible educational options to the Northshore community that also enhances the communities that we serve,” said Wainwright. "Our recreational marine industry partners have asked for skilled service technicians, we have responded to their needs, and they have provided employment opportunities.”
Anyone interested in participating in NTCC’s next Marine Service Technician class, or who would like to receive additional information, are asked to contact ntccworkforce@northshorecollege.edu. Classes will begin in May 2023.
