The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) has announced that the New England Institute of Technology (NEIT) in Warwick, Rhode Island is the newest member of ABYC’s Marine League of Schools.  This addition brings to six the number of post secondary institutions belonging to the league to deliver premier standards-based technical workforce education and training.

The Marine League was established in 2009 to address the marine industry’s need for highly trained, industry certified workers. An undisputed leader in marine technical career education, NEIT’s Marine Technology Program students learn theory and practical training in marine mechanics, electronics, marine systems, repair and service as well as business procedures using marine specific software.  Students can earn their Associate in Science Degree in Marine Technology in as little as 18 months, days or evenings, and be qualified to work in such jobs as marina/boatyard operations, vessel manufacturing, engine repair and service, and wholesale/retail product sales.

Skip Burdon, ABYC’s President stated: “I recognize NEIT’s  great value to the marine industry and welcome NEIT as the new college within the Marine League.  NEIT is one of the “Flag Ship” marine technology colleges in the country.  Their emphasis on hands-on-training and practical applications gives graduates a competitive edge in the workplace.” 

Steve Kitchin, Vice President Corporate Education and Training at NEIT, emphasized that membership in the Marine League will bring NEIT in close touch with other post secondary schools teaching a similar curriculum.  Kitchin said in a statement: “We believe that the certification of marine technicians is an essential element and here to stay. As a member of the Marine League we are now one of only a handful of  colleges in the country that delivers standards-based education and the opportunity for our students to earn industry recognized ABYC certification.  ABYC standards are now a fundamental part of our curriculum.  Graduating with one or more certifications will prove to be valuable tools to individuals when seeking employment,” Kitchin concluded.

ABYC’s Marine League currently consists of six post-secondary schools throughout the U.S. who are affiliated with ABYC through a common standards and systems-based curriculum and commitment to quality technical marine workforce education and training.  All Marine League schools use the National Marine Technical Curriculum- Post Secondary (NMTC-PS) developed by ABYC and meet monthly to discuss the latest trends in marine technology education.  The other League schools are Broward College in Florida, Rappahannock Community College in Virginia, Skagit Valley College in Washington, The Boat School in Maine and Honolulu Community College in Hawaii.  ABYC hopes to expand the League to ten select schools within the next few years.  For information visit:  www.abycinc.org.