Jan 10, 2023
At the Boating Ontario Conference, in a group discussion, CEO Rick Layzell asked where the attendees expected to get the people they need to operate their businesses and some quick-witted person immediately said, “poach ‘em!”. The room erupted in laughter (because they all know this happens) but even that is plainly not working. The industry is painfully short of people.
At the upcoming Industry Breakfast at TIBS, I will be talking briefly about the demographics and I expect we will probably hear comments on demographics from Frank Hugelmeyer and Nick Bennenbroek. Globally, many industries are in need of people, so what do we do?
Regarding the “poachers” – you need to keep your good people. Boating Industry Canada has long supported the Employer of Choice program and at the TIBS breakfast, we will again be announcing the 2022 Employer of Choice program companies who achieved Award Level. There are more participants than ever and most are solidly committed to the program because they are reaping success year after year with Employer of Choice as a part of their human resources plan.
We will be sharing more of that information in upcoming editions of Boating Industry Canada News Week Digest.
This week, while you are reading News Week, I’m in New Orleans at the ABYC Standards Week and I will be attending some of the Project Technical Committee meetings and also getting a special opportunity to talk to some of the educators who will be there. I’ll be looking for ideas that I can share with you.
ABYC is the marine industry “Standards” organization and their standards around construction and engineering specifications are generally adopted globally. There will be a special focus on Electrical, Fire Fighting and Detection Systems, Control Systems, Fuel and Ventilation and Thermal Appliances.
During the Standards Week conference there will also be ABYC Standards Certification that provides students with a comprehensive look at key ABYC Standards and addresses specific compliance issues relevant to engineers, installers, compliance inspectors, and marine surveyors.
Right now, consider taking advantage of Georgian College’s Midland, Ontario campus who will be hosting an ABYC Marine Systems Certification course at the Midland campus from January 31st to February 3rd. That’s coming right up. Contact Rob Davidson right away to learn more: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone 249-307-0169.
The best way to build your business in the future is to realize that staffing and training is up to us.
I will be at the Toronto International Boat Show in the Canadian Yachting Media booth most days. I hope you will stop by and chat!
Andy Adams - Editor
