Nov 12, 2019

Boating Ontario CEO Rick Layzell (centre) presenting MarineWorx cheques to Victoria-Rose Kolpin (right), Kelly McAlear (left) and Stephen Lonsbary (not pictured).

On Friday, November 1st team members from the Boating Ontario Association paid a visit to two lucky students currently enrolled in the Mechanical Techniques – Marine Engine Mechanics program at Georgian College’s Midland Campus. The visit began with a conversation with Boating Ontario CEO Rick Layzell about Boating Ontario and its role in the recreational boating industry, and then he spoke about the MarineWorx Development Fund.

The MarineWorx Development Fund is an industry funded, education focused program designed for all members, of all sizes, in all markets. The purpose of MarineWorx is to reinvest in our industry by providing bursaries, scholarships and discounts to members and member employees on education programs & courses centered around the marine sector. Since the program launched in June of 2018, the MarineWorx Development Fund has provided funding close to 50 employees within our industry to the tune of over $15,000. Our 2019/2020 plan will see MarineWorx putting over $30,000 in education support back into the industry.

Georgian College Faculty members Mac Greaves, Associate Dean (far right) and Rob Davidson, Program Coordinator (second from right) join in the cheque presentation.
 

The purpose of the Georgian College visit on Friday was to present three cheques to aspiring marine technician students who had applied for the travel & accommodations bursary earlier this fall. The criteria for the bursary are that the “student travel must exceed 100 KM distance from their home to the Midland campus and must be referred by a Boating Ontario member.” Three applications were accepted, and each student received a $1000 cheque courtesy of the MarineWorx Development Fund to help cover their costs while focusing on their education. Upon successful completion of this first semester, a second cheque for another $1000 will be provided to these three students as they continue in the program for the second semester.
 
For more information about the MarineWorx Development Fund and associated bursaries & discounts, please click here.