Pre-Apprenticeship Graduates Recognized at Annual Industry Partnership Breakfast

Attendees at RIMTA’s Annual Industry Partnership Breakfast recognized recent graduates of the Marine Trades & Composites Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program. This summer the program ran for its fifth session, and ten ????????????????????????????????????individuals got their start on a career in the marine trades. Graduates included: Peter Barlow (Warren, RI), Vanessa Benitez (Pawtucket, RI), Alexander Buckley (Bristol, RI), Bill Forrest (Newport, RI), John Glazier (Warwick, RI), Tim Gould (Little Compton, RI), Hans Hall (Pawtucket, RI), Steven Mauricio (Pawtucket, RI), Jamie Silvia (Warwick, RI), and Nate Therien (Narragansett, RI). Six graduates attended the breakfast, held on September 19 during the Newport International Boat  Show.

This program, made possible by funding from the Rhode Island Governor’s Workforce Board (GWB), has proven to be an effective model to attract and train entry-level workers. The secret of success is the team effort put forth among many organizations, including: the GWB, as a funder that believes in this program; area employers and educational providers that make their facilities and expertise available for training; RIMTA, as coordinator of the program; companies that offer a six-day job shadow to students; and employers that ultimately hire graduates.

This term’s employers include Bristol Marine, Jamestown Boatyard, Hunt Yachts, Goetz Composites, Kinder Industries and Quantum Sails.

The next session of this seven-week program is targeted to start in February. According to RIMTA Director of Programs Jen Cornwell, the biggest goal going forward is to deepen the program’s awareness among Rhode Islanders searching for a career path: “We want more individuals in Rhode Island to know about this program and what a great way it is to begin a new career in our industry.”

If you’d like to learn more about how this program could help you attract talented entry-level workers, contact Jen Cornwell.