October 14, 2025

More than 90 marine service tech students and educators came to network with industry professionals.
 
The American Boat & Yacht Council Foundation partnered with the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX) to host Student Career Day on Thursday, Oct. 9, in Tampa, Florida. The event gave more than 90 students from Florida marine technical schools an opportunity to explore careers in the boating industry and network with professionals.
 
Participating schools include Fred K. Marchman Technical College, Manatee Technical College, Fort Myers Technical College and Suncoast Technical College.
 
The Career Day seminar, Technical Schools and Your Next Hire, featured Tim Murphy of ABYC; Rebecca Cute, talent acquisition manager at Safe Harbor Marinas; Zachary Volpicelli, marine systems program instructor at The Landing School; and Keith Rollins, instructor at Suncoast Technical College. Instructors, industry professionals and students were encouraged to join the roundtable discussion for a firsthand look at today’s marine systems technology graduates. Panelists discussed what students are learning, where they are looking for jobs and the types of offers they are receiving.
 
“The IBEX conference is the one place where marine-trades students can meet with a mix of businesses leaders who are eager to hire their next generation of skilled technicians,” said ABYC eduction director Tim Murphy. “The Career Day roundtable isn’t just business leaders speaking at students; it’s a two-way conversation that brought surprises and new ideas for those plotting their early career steps as well as for those doing the hiring.”
 
Students were also able to attend additional optional seminars and explore the exhibit floor. A resume writing session was led by Neal Harrell of Brooks Marine Group.
 
For more information visit www.ibexshow.com.