Boat school receives funding assistance

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The Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding’s Marine Systems Program is set to be banging on all cylinders after receiving nearly $450,000 in funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

The funding will help train the next generation of marine systems specialists.

The funding was supported by Rep. Derek Kilmer of Washington’s 6th Congressional District.

“On the Olympic Peninsula and throughout our region a shortage of skilled workers can be a barrier to growth for local employers,” Kilmer said. “By investing in this project, the federal government will help provide the equipment needed to train workers and meet the need for experienced maritime technicians in the community.”

Betsy Davis, executive director of the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding, said the funds would be used to purchase equipment so that each marine systems student can learn the hands-on skills necessary to become competent in their disciplines. 

“On April 5, the next class of 18 Marine Systems students starts in our brand-new building dedicated to the program, so the timing of this grant couldn’t have been better,” Davis said.

“Kevin Ritz, the school’s Marine Systems Lead Instructor … developed the new six-month program from scratch through continuous conversations with employers and others in the marine industry,” she added. “It is designed so graduates will hit the ground running when they arrive in the workplace.”

The $447,500 federal grant will help the school address shortages of marine technicians by training students through an accredited program focused on electrical, corrosion, plumbing, diesel and outboard engines, heating and cooling, hydraulics and steering and propulsion.