Yamaha spearheads training program in Alaska
Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit and the Alaska Maritime Education Consortium (AMEC) signed a Yamaha Marine Training Program Agreement under Yamaha’s Technical School Partnership Program. This Agreement will establish a comprehensive Yamaha marine technical training program throughout the state, specifically in remote regions.
Governor Mike Dunleavy, Dr. Tamika L. Ledbetter, Commissioner, Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, and University of Alaska President Pat Pitney signed the Training Program Agreement during the 2022 Kenai Classic, establishing an infrastructure for Yamaha Marine products training across the state.
Under the Agreement, Yamaha will provide training curricula and will train the trainers for the program. In addition, Yamaha will allow AMEC to acquire materials at or below cost, including outboard motors and tools. AMEC is a partnership between the University of Alaska and the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Alaska Vocational Technical Center.
“This program is now a reality thanks to the efforts of the late Congressman Don Young, who originally brought the need for more technicians in remote areas to our attention,” said Ben Speciale, President, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit. “He inspired us to improve our level of service to customers in Alaska and encouraged us to redouble our efforts to train technicians.”
The maritime business in Alaska includes 34,000 miles of coastline that produces more than 60 percent of the nation’s seafood harvest and generates millions of dollars for the state’s economy. Many Alaskan communities depend on a skilled workforce to service the boats and outboards that fuel a healthy, sustainable marine industry.
“Alaska has more coastline than all of other 49 states combined making the maritime sector one of the great growth industries in our state,” said Governor Mike Dunleavy. “I look forward to Alaskans reaping the benefits of this unique partnership with Yamaha.”
The agreement between Yamaha and AMEC also expands the Yamaha Tech School Partner (TSP) program. Developed in 2015, Yamaha’s TSP program aims to develop a stronger marine technician workforce through a certified curriculum, Yamaha systems access and product donations used in the classroom for hands-on training. The AMEC network includes six training locations strategically positioned in coastal communities throughout Alaska and is committed to working with other educational institutions in Alaska to increase access to this and other training.
Source: https://boatingindustry.com/news/2022/08/18/yamaha-spearheads-training-program-in-alaska/
