Institute of Marine Technology, Warner University partner on marine tech program

The following is the text of a news release from Warner University:

(ORLANDO, Fla.) — The Institute of Marine Technology (IMT) announces a partnership with Warner University in Florida to start a marine technology program on campus in Lake Wales, Fla.

The intent of IMT’s marine technology program is to prepare individuals for entry-level technician opportunities in the watercraft industry. Students will be able to pursue two courses of action in the marine technology program at Warner University. A certificate program and an associate of applied science degree in marine technology will be offered. 

With the marine industry in dire need of well-qualified technicians, this new program was put together by industry veterans with guidance from OEM and aftermarket companies to maximize not only the potential of the program but each individual student. With direct access to a 4,274-acre lake for testing purposes and the might of Warner University behind it, the new program is on track to change the way technicians enter the work force.

Attendees will not only learn how to work on watercraft and gather hands-on experience, they will work in a real-life marina environment and understand the inner workings of marina’s and boat dealerships around the world. Industry-leading experts have already made guest appearances and been signed to the program's Advisory Council.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) reports boat sales are strong for the $35.9 billion U.S. recreational boating industry. An estimated 238,000 new powerboats were sold in 2015, an increase of 8.5 percent compared to 2014. NMMA anticipates sales of new powerboats to increase as much as 7 percent in 2017.

The U.S. Department of Labor reports there will be more than 1.2 million jobs in the diesel, automotive, motorcycle and marine industries in the United States by the year 2024. To reach that total, the transportation industry will have to fill more than 37,000 technician job openings on average every year.

For more information, visit www.imteducation.com 

By Professional Mariner Staff