Applicants sought for new ABYC scholarships
MINNEAPOLIS — The MRAA Educational Foundation has partnered with the American Boat & Yacht Council to launch two new scholarship programs, for which they are currently seeking applications.
The Basic Scholarship provides the recipient complimentary access to ABYC’s Introduction to Basic Marine Electric & Corrosion Protection, a four-day course that provides the newcomer to marine electrics with information to get started in this area of marine service. It is valued at $985.
The Advanced Scholarship grants the recipient the ability to gain complimentary access to one of ABYC’s Marine Certifications, which include Marine Systems, Marine Electrical, Marine Corrosion, ABYC Standards, Marine Diesel Engines, Marine Gasoline Engines, Marine Composites, and Marine A/C-Refrigeration Certification. These also are four-day courses, valued at up to $1,170 each.
“Whether you’re just getting started in marine service or you’re an experienced technician, ABYC training and certification can help you take your career and your dealership to the next level,” says John Adey, ABYC president. “With the new skills you’ll take away from our courses, you’ll be able to improve your service department’s customer satisfaction, profitability and professionalism.”
The ABYC Scholarships were founded to offer financial assistance for technical training and certification of dealership personnel.
“Part of the solution to the marine technician shortage is to enhance the training opportunities we offer today’s service department employees,” says Liz Walz, MRAA director of education. “When we treat marine service like a career, we can better attract and retain the workforce we need to improve and grow the boating business.”
Employees of MRAA Retail Members are eligible to apply for the ABYC Basic and Advanced scholarships. The 2014 recipients will be announced at the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo, taking place Nov. 16-19 in Orlando, Fla.
For more information and to apply, visit the ABYC Scholarships web page. The deadline for applications is Oct. 10, 2014. For more information, contact Liz Walz at 315-692-4533 or liz@mraa.com.
