Building the Next Generation of Marine Service Professionals
Recreational boating is a $230 billion industry that supports more than 812,000 jobs and 36,000 businesses nationwide. With 12 million registered boats in the U.S. and continued demand for skilled marine service professionals, the need for trained technicians has never been greater.
ABYC helps meet that need by supporting students discovering the marine trades, schools creating standards-based training programs and working technicians advancing their careers through certification and continuing education.
These efforts help prepare the technicians who keep boats operating safely and reliably, reduce preventable problems and help more people enjoy their time on the water.
We work with secondary schools, post-secondary programs, technical centers, community colleges, marine businesses and industry partners to help prepare students and technicians for real opportunities in the recreational boating industry.
ABYC supports workforce development through:
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Marine Service Technology curriculum for schools
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Marine Trades Accreditation Program for qualified programs
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A national Marine Trades School Directory
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Support for high school and post-secondary marine programs
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Scholarships for students entering the marine trades
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Career awareness through SkillsUSA and industry outreach
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Certification and continuing education for working marine technicians
For Students
A career as a marine service technician can be a strong fit for students who enjoy working with their hands, solving problems, understanding how systems work and being around boats and the water.
Marine technicians work on engines, electrical systems, fuel systems, corrosion prevention, plumbing, climate control, electronics, diagnostics and more. With the right training and continued education, marine service offers a path into a skilled trade with room to grow.
Start by exploring marine technology programs, connecting with local schools and learning more about ABYC certification.
For Employers
Marine businesses play a critical role in workforce development. Employers can support the technician pipeline by connecting with schools, offering internships or apprenticeships, donating equipment, mentoring students, supporting scholarships and encouraging technician certification.
ABYC helps industry partners identify ways to support education and connect with future talent.
For Schools
ABYC helps schools build, strengthen and promote marine service technology programs. Whether your school is starting a new program, expanding an existing pathway or pursuing accreditation, ABYC can provide curriculum, teacher resources and industry connections to support your efforts.
Schools can use ABYC resources to help align classroom instruction with industry expectations and give students a stronger foundation for employment or continued training.
