With help from the Maryland Department of Commerce Office of Tourism, Garrett College has launched an intensive, three-month marine technology program.
Based at the Beitzel Career Technology Training Center on the Garrett College campus, the program was created through a grant awarded to Frostburg State University for Allegany and Garrett counties’ outdoor recreation economy workforce initiative projects. The funding came from a $9.6 million award to Maryland Commerce from the Economic Development Administration to support travel, tourism and outdoor recreation after the pandemic.
Participants gain knowledge and certification in managing Mercury and Yamaha equipment, two of the leading marine engine manufacturers in the industry. This helps to directly prepare the graduates to enter the workforce in surrounding marinas, performing maintenance on boat motors or servicing equipment needed for the local water-based tourism industry.
Funding from the grant has financed four Mercury motors, diagnostic repair equipment, and the purchase of a test tank for testing boat motor functions. The program’s first initial cohort of five students is expected to grow quickly.
“We are appreciative of the opportunity to collaborate with Frostburg State University on the EDA/Maryland Tourism Grant Program,” said Julie Yoder, Garrett College’s Dean of Continuing Education and Workforce Training. “This initiative is allowing us to provide employers, incumbent workers, and job seekers with training and certifications to support the outdoor recreation industry in Garrett County.”
