Boating Ontario bursary up to $2,000 makes waves for Georgian marine students

Nov 19, 2024

Georgian College and Boating Ontario are working together to invest in the future of the marine industry through an impactful student bursary.

Students passionate about working in the marine industry, but who must travel more than 100 kilometres to study in a specialized program at Georgian’s Robbert Hartog Midland Campus, can apply now to have their transportation and accommodation expenses covered up to $2,000.

This funding is made possible through Boating Ontario’s MarineWorx Development Fund and supports students in Georgian’s Mechanical Techniques – Marine Engine Mechanic program.

“As the only college in Ontario and one of two in Canada that offers a dedicated Marine Engine Mechanic/Technician program, access to our Midland Campus can be challenging for students and apprentices who live far away,” said Rob Davidson, Professor and Program Coordinator, Marine and Small Engine Programs and Apprenticeship Training, Georgian College.

The program draws students from as far north as Red Lake and along the northern Manitoba border, to the southwest regions of Windsor and the borders of Quebec, said Davidson, so they cannot commute and must relocate for their education.

“With this funding, these students and apprentices can get a quality education while alleviating some of the stress that comes with living away from home while attending school,” he said.

First launched in 2018, the MarineWorx Development Fund is an industry-funded, education-focused commitment to advancing education skills in all aspects of Ontario’s recreational boating workforce. From apprentice technicians to sales professionals and marina management programs, MarineWorx supports hundreds of employees annually, dolling out thousands of dollars. 

The bursary is given to four students each year:

·       It covers transportation and accommodation expenses up to $2,000 ($1,000 per semester).
·       The students must have to travel further than 100 km to attend class in Midland.
·       Applicants must be referred by a Boating Ontario member to be eligible and fill out a simple online form sharing why they’re inspired to enter the marine industry. 

“We recognize the costs associated with travelling back and forth to class or in securing accommodations during the eight-month-long Mechanical Techniques – Marine Engine Mechanic program. Boating Ontario’s MarineWorx Development Fund is pleased to offset a portion of those costs for aspiring technicians as they begin their journey into Ontario’s $4.5B recreational boating industry,” said Boating Ontario CEO Rick Layzell.