Whittier Tech Now Offering Marine Technology Program for Class of 2026 and Beyond

Argelis Vargas, a freshman from Haverhill, replacing a water pump. (Courtesy photograph.)

Whittier Regional Vocational Technological High Faculty formally introduced this expression its new Marine Engineering method, generating it the school’s 23rd profession pathway and only the fourth application of its kind to exist in Massachusetts.

Pupils in the class of 2026 are the to start with to be equipped to pursue Marine Technological innovation. All through an look this 7 days on WHAV’s early morning method, Superintendent Maureen Lynch mentioned Whittier acquired point out vocational system approval for Maritime Know-how.

“We have some boats listed here in the developing, and we have some Wave Runners. Our freshmen appropriate now are heading by means of the Exploratory Plan. We hope to have them indication up for that at the stop of this 12 months for that to be their vocational technical spot whilst they are in this article at Whittier,” she reported.

At the moment, 306 ninth graders are participating in Whittier Tech’s Exploratory Application which involves them to find a trade pathway in January. Argelis Vargas, a freshman from Haverhill, claimed, “I actually like my working experience in the Exploratory Program, so significantly, specially in this article in Marine Tech. It is palms-on. I am not trapped in a classroom learning.”

Learners who decide on Maritime Technological know-how are anticipated to master how to run, repair service, rebuild and set up onboard systems, as perfectly as hull maintenance and mend, marine canvas fabrication and repair, gasoline and diesel engine operation and mend and welding and precision steel fabrication.

In addition, students who entire the method receive relevant certifications, understand how to run a boat safely and receive their boating license. In the course of their senior 12 months, students have the chance to make their captain’s licenses.

Superintendent Maureen Lynch spoke of the added benefits of this new program, saying “the marine sector has ample opportunities. We hope to connect college students to these several very well-shelling out jobs and vocation alternatives out there by our new method. Expanding this plan to daytime learners was a collaborative effort by college, local community associates, and so lots of much more.”

Whittier Tech has made available Maritime Company Know-how by means of its evening adult education application due to the fact summer months 2021 with help from the Massachusetts Marine Trades Affiliation and donations from Yamaha. The method qualified three lessons of unemployed or underemployed staff for entry-degree work opportunities and graduates handed the Yamaha Certificate Take a look at and earned an Introduction to Outboard Systems certification.

In accordance to the National Maritime Suppliers Association, the Massachusetts recreational boating market has an financial impact of $4.4 billion and employs more than 20,000 people today, though there is a sizeable workforce lack in Massachusetts and nationwide.