Welcome to Talking Trades

Welcome to our first issue of our new Boating Industry Workforce Newsletter! The purpose of this newsletter is to provide our members and industry partners with updates, resources and information on workforce development efforts and educational news.

Approved Industry Valued Credentials

The MTA/NJ is pleased to share that the State of New Jersey Department of Labor has officially approved Tier II credentials for the Marine Service Technology Program. This Marine Service Technology program being taught at Ocean County Vocational Technical School (OCVTS) offer’s students an opportunity to earn industry certifications from Yamaha Marine University and American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC). The Marine Certification Program (MCP) prepares student technicians to perform the 20, 100, 300, 500 and 1,000-hour maintenance procedures for all four sizes of Yamaha Outboards- portable, mid-range, in-line and V-engine. The ABYC curriculum is rooted in industry standards ensuring foundational knowledge in shop safety, boat handling, gas and diesel engine maintenance, drive systems, marine electrical, boat trailers, marine plumbing and electronics and customer service. MCP and ABYC certified students can graduate from the program with recognized competencies that prepare them for careers in the industry.

The credentials from the Marine Certification Program (MCP), American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) and National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) provide students with advanced standing in the hiring process by equipping them with industry-recognized certifications that validate their technical skills and knowledge. These programs ensure that students meet entry level skill requirements through training in essential areas such as engine maintenance services, electrical systems, and boat systems service.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are required to demonstrate that they meet two of the three, high skill, high wage, and in demand occupation requirements in order to be approved by the NJDOE Office of Career Readiness. This approved credential will allow the program to continue to operate under the State plan for Career and Technical Education. 

The MTA/NJ worked with OCVTS and assisted in gathering letters of support from members for their Marine Service Technology program. The MTA/NJ would like to thank everyone that worked to make this possible. The list of approved credentials can be viewed below.

Meetings with Our Education Partners and Advisory Committees

As a part of our expanding workforce development efforts, the MTA/NJ held meetings with OCVTS and the Automotive Training Center (ATC) in PA as well participated in Advisory Committee and Council meetings at OCVTS, ATC and the soon to be open, Cape May Tech Marine Program. The MTA/NJ will be attending the next ATC Advisory Committee Meeting planned for May 6th.

These schools are on the front lines teaching and training our future. Our partnerships with them aims to bring more students into the classrooms, connect students to our members for jobs, and raise awareness of the many awesome boating jobs in the industry. 

One of the best quotes from our meeting at ATC, “Our marine trades students are the honors students of our school!” We could not agree more and are excited to continue to work together and further strengthen our industry with even more skilled, qualified workers!

New Marine Tech Programs

This fall, two more schools will be offering Marine Tech Programs. Cape May County Technical High School offers a wide range of career technical education programs for high school students in Cape May County. Their CTE programs are specifically designed to prepare students to enter the workforce immediately upon completion. Students will train and participate in activities for the program in a new state-of-the-art facility complete with mechanical shops, an upholstery shop and paint booth as well as access to waterfront facilities, where students will operate and maintain vessels. 

Cape May Tech Marine Maintenance Program Fact Sheet

Atlantic Cape Community College is launching an Outboard Motor Technician Certificate Program. The program will utilize the new facility being constructed by Cape May County Technical School (Cape Tech), with Atlantic Cape leasing space to conduct evening classes. This facility will be equipped with specialized tools and equipment necessary for outboard motor maintenance, including diagnostic tools, engine stands, and a variety of outboard motor models for hands-on training. Investing in safety equipment, instructional aids, and technology will also be essential for ensuring a safe and effective learning environment.

We look forward to sharing more information in the coming months as these programs begin.

OCVTS Hosts New Jersey SkillsUSA Marine Service Technology Championship Competition

The Ocean County Vocational Technical School District (OCVTS) Toms River campus proudly hosted the New Jersey SkillsUSA Championship Competition in Marine Service Technology on March 20, 2025. This prestigious event brought together top high school and post-secondary students from across the state to showcase their expertise in marine mechanics, diagnostics, and repair.

SkillsUSA is a national organization dedicated to equipping students with the leadership, teamwork, and technical skills necessary for career success. As a cornerstone of career and technical education, SkillsUSA fosters workforce development by connecting students with industry professionals and providing opportunities for hands-on learning. The MTA/NJ proudly supports this event and provided tools as prizes for the winners of this competition through the MTA/NJ Foundation.

Scholarship Applications Being Reviewed Now

Each year the MTA/NJ Foundation offers Education Scholarships that are open to any student interested in pursuing a career in the recreational boating industry and meets the criteria outlined. Several applications for 2025-2026 school year were received ahead of the April 1st deadline and are currently under review by our Workforce Development Committee. The following is an overview of the scholarships:

Boating Industry Scholarship: Two $1500 scholarships awarded to two graduating students who have a strong desire to succeed in a recreational boating industry vocational, technical or college program.

Automotive Training Center: This is a half scholarship ($12,600) for the Marine Service Technology Program at Automotive Training Center in Pennsylvania.

These scholarships are funded through the MTA/NJ Foundation, a 501(c)(3). One of the goals of the MTA/NJ Foundation is to provide financial support dedicated to educational scholarships and training to help grow the recreational marine trades' workforce in New Jersey. The Foundation is currently funded by members through fundraising events and raffles held throughout the year.

Since 2006, the MTA/NJ Foundation has awarded over $35,000 to deserving students looking to begin careers in the industry, to members through the MTA/NJ Family Scholarship and for outstanding student awards to students currently enrolled in marine trades vocational programs. In addition to scholarships, the MTA/NJ Foundation has provided funding towards marine education and training for members including marine training reimbursements, industry certification courses, and education and training in the classroom and on the job for members and their employees covering several areas. 

Marine Service Tech Week - Celebrate Marine Technicians!

The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) has designated the last week in April as International Marine Service Technician Week. This week is meant to bring awareness and recognition to the hard-working professionals who keep boating safe, reliable, and enjoyable. Start planning now to thank your techs!

OSHA Compliant Operator Certification Completed

On March 25th, the MTA/NJ partnered with Robert Smith of FP Safety Solutions to offer OSHA compliant operator certification for operation of industrial forklifts, marine forklifts and marine straddle lifts. This was one of the largest certified classes to date. On site/virtual exercises were conducted after the classroom portion to complete the certifications. The MTA/NJ is pleased to offer this and other continuing education courses and training programs to our members.

The Boating Industry is Hiring!

The MTA/NJ actively promotes careers in the boating industry by showcasing job opportunities, training programs, and career pathways through our website, targeted promotions, and distribution of job listings at our boat shows. Our Career Center connects job seekers with employers by highlighting available positions and offering resources to help individuals explore rewarding careers on the water. Through ongoing outreach online and at our events, we help grow the marine workforce and strengthen industry connections. You can help our efforts by posting or distributing the flyers linked below.

List Your Open Jobs on MTANJ.org

Our newly updated Career Center on MTANJ.org will connect you with individuals seeking employment in the marine industry. Fill out the form by clicking on the link below to start finding new talent today.