Apr 17, 2017

In response to the growing demand for skilled marine trades, Boating BC Association is now accepting applications for Glenn Spartz Scholarships. A response to the ongoing need for qualified mechanical technicians in the recreational marine industry, the scholarship will go towards supporting individuals pursuing jobs within the industry.

“Right now in British Columbia we are experiencing a shortage of qualified marine mechanical technicians,” says Boating BC Association President, Don Prittie. “The boating industry is one of the most significant economic drivers in the province, and through intiatives like the Glenn Spartz Scholarship, we expect the marine industry to continue to grow and develop.”

The scholarship is open to students enrolled in the Marine Mechanical Technician (MMT) Apprenticeship Program at BCIT or the Motorcyle + Marine Technician Foundation Program at Vancouver Island University. It is an industry collaboration led by Boating BC with contributing partners including: Mercury Marine, Honda Marine, BRP/Evinrude, Volvo Penta, Yamaha Canada and Yanmar/Land Sea Power.

“Individual scholarships of up to $2,000 each can significantly help students to work towards their certification,” says Prittie “It’s important that we continue to raise awareness of the many possible careers in recreational boating, and how diverse these jobs can be – from maintaining engines to installing and repairing parts, there’s something for everyone.”

The Glenn Spartz Scholarship is named in honour of a former Boating BC board member who was instrumental in establishing the MMT program. Submissions in support of BCIT and VIU qualifying programs commencing October, 2017 must be received at the Boating BC office by 3:00pm September 1, 2017 and for programs commencing January, 2018, by 3:00pm November 24, 2017.

For full details on the programs and deadlines, and to apply visit: www.boatingbc.ca/cpages/glenn-spartzscholarship.