Paul Post Photo
By Paul Post
From Schroon Lake to the Mohawk River, thousands of boat owners hit the region’s waterways for outdoor summer fun each year.
But keeping craft in good operating condition can be a challenge.
The first five graduates of a new Marine Technology Program, designed specifically for adults, were recognized during the recent Great Upstate Boat Show at Afrim’s Sports Complex in Queensbury.
“Completing this program is a milestone and we’re excited to recognize the growth, accomplishment and potential each of you has demonstrated,” said Michelle Stockwell, Employment Training for Adults administrator. “This achievement reflects not only on your hard work and dedication, but also your commitment to learning valuable skills that will hopefully open doors in the marine industry. Over the course this program you have gained hands-on experience, developed technical expertise and built the confidence to take the next step in your careers.”
The 145-hour course, held evenings at the BOCES Southern Adirondack Education Center in Kingsbury, trained participants to become entry-level marine service technicians, learning skills such as basic electrical, basic engine theory, seasonal boat preparation, shrink-wrapping, safety, trailering and trailer repair.
The graduates, taught by instructor Brian Foster, are Jon Valastro, Nathan Winslow, Steve Mittler, Tannery Kennedy and Svitozar Zakhariia from Ukraine. Stockwell presented each one with certificates.
“The marine business is a cornerstone of our local economy,” said Joel Holden, Eastern New York Marine Trades Association executive director. “We have tens of thousands of boats in our backyard. They all need to be maintained properly, for safety purposes as well as enjoyment. This is a gateway to getting that done.”
Holden said he is hopeful the new marine trades course will have the same positive results as a similar apprentice program offered by UA Local 773 Plumbers & Steamfitters.
A second course for prospective marine trades workers is planned in October.
“We are an aqua-related tourist economy,” state Sen. Dan Stec said. “That’s a lot of boats. It also means a lot of parts and hopefully things that don’t go bump in the night. But when they do, it’s very expensive. So having people who know how to take care of things, maintain things, put them back on the water correctly is very important.”
“It’s great to see when our educational institutions and industry come together to address a need that’s hopefully going to make everyone’s boat owning and operating experience more positive,” he said.
Assemblyman Matt Simpson said, “This is a prime example of why it’s important to invest in the BOCES program. They’re training our workforce right here that we need locally.”
Employment Training for Adults is a division of BOCES and offers programs for people seeking careers in fields such as law and public safety, manufacturing, technology, health care, construction, business management and transportation.
Stockwell credited the Marine Trades Association, Saratoga Economic Development Corp. and the Saratoga, Warren, Washington Workforce Development Board for their support in helping make the new course possible.
“Starting a program from scratch is never easy,” she said. “But with the guidance of industry experts and the commitment of our partners, it became a shared effort that is both achievable and meaningful. Together we have built a program that not only trains students, but develops our local workforce, ensuring the marine industry has skilled professionals for years to come.”
Stockwell said Foster’s guidance and dedication as instructor were essential to the program’s success. “He inspired students to strive for excellence,” she said.
“Students, congratulations!” Stockwell said. “You should be proud of the effort, dedication and skills you’ve developed throughout this program.”
Thousands of people visited the four-day boat show, held Thursday, March 26, to Sunday, March 29. Twenty dealers were represented in addition to several lifestyle vendors.
The New York State Canal Corp. had a booth encouraging boaters to travel its 524-mile system, including the Erie and Champlain canals.
Glenn Kelsey, co-owner of Queensbury-based Dax Powersports, said the new adult marine trades course is a much-needed program.
“We don’t care how old a person is if they want to work and learn,” he said. “Sometimes maturity is a good thing because they’re a little more centered on what they want to do.”
Kelsey said the trades offer rewarding, good-paying jobs in many fields that students, parents and school officials sometimes overlook or do not realize.
Dax Powersports is a year-round business that sells and services Jet Ski-type watercraft, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles.
“I’ve owned the business jointly for 23 years and we’ve never laid an employee off in all those years,” Kelsey said. “It’s a nice clean job because you’re dealing mostly with new products. BOCES has been a funnel for us. We take on kids in a work program while they’re still studying. It’s a great gateway for them to come into the business.”
“We get a lot of new machines that aren’t fully built or set up, so entry-level technicians deal with used, refurbishment and building new,” he said. “It’s a really great way for them to get hands-on experience, dealing with all the equipment and ancillary things that go with the process like operating a forklift.”
The new adult marine trades course gives Dax Powersports and many other employers a new source for hiring much-needed workers.
“We’re looking into that avenue for sure,” Kelsey said.
For more information about Employment Training for Adults, visit www.etaprogram.org.