MERCURY MARINE TO PARTNER WITH GEORGIAN COLLEGE
August 6, 2019
Gary Coleman of Mercury Marine who was instrumental in creating the new partnership between Mercury and Georgian cuts the ribbon to officially open the facility. With him from the left are Randy Clarke and Rob Davidson from Georgian and Peter Hart from Mercury with Mac Greaves, Georgian’s Campus Manager.
On July 31st, 2019, Mercury Marine Canada announced that they will be partnering with Georgian College and their Marine Technician Program to expand and improve educational opportunities for people in the marine industry. This progressive collaboration marks a major investment into Georgian College’s Midland, Ontario Campus.
Students of the marine and small engine program at Georgian College will have a hands-on opportunity to work with the latest leading-edge marine technology and products. It is with great confidence that this initiative will reinforce and strengthen the pipeline of technicians across the country continuing the growth of the marine service industry in Canada.
Currently, Georgian College is the only technical education school in the country to offer a Mercury University certification program for Mercury dealers.
Rob Davidson guides a group through the campus facilities where the newly donated Mercury equipment is installed.
Mac Greaves, Campus Manager of Georgian’s Robbert Hartog Midland Campus said, “Georgian College is proud to work with Mercury Marine to ensure our students get the hands-on education and experience they need to be part of the future of the marine industry.”
Georges Jalbert, General Manager, Mercury Marine Canada stated that, “We hope this investment continues the conversation within the industry encouraging others to follow. This move is for the future of the marine technician industry, not be viewed as a legacy, but as the example.”
The July 31st media event at Georgian’s Robbert Hartog Midland Campus attracted a number of important guests including representatives from some of Canada’s largest marinas and who are strong supporters of both Georgian College and of the industry.
These two Mercury 400 Racing models are examples of the extensive range of new equipment that will now be available to Georgian students.
The Georgian’s Robbert Hartog Midland Campus is a large facility and it is now endowed with the latest new technology product examples from Mercury Marine. The significant quantity and range of equipment now available for teaching will be a vital support to future students.
The Georgian College marine technician program is approaching it’s 50th Anniversary and the current program was established at their Orillia Campus in 1988 / 1989, guided by the late Bob Eaton, Richard Crowder and Ken MacDonald both of whom were on hand at the ribbon cutting.
Rick Layzell CEO of Boating Ontario was also in attendance and their new MarineWorx program has some funding support available for students living more than 100 km from the campus. There are also housing resources available for students to live and learn in the Midland area.
The Georgian College Robbert Hartog Midland Campus and the Recreational Boating Centre of Excellence is really the heart of the industry and the new support from Mercury Marine adds greatly to the resources and learning opportunities.
Rob Davidson is seen with Richard Crowder who was one of the founders of the Marie and Small Engine program. Richard taught Rob when he attended Georgian at the start of his career.
For more on the new Mercury Marine partnership with Georgian College, here are two video interviews; Andy Adams of Canadian Yachting with Peter Hart of Mercury Marine and Rob Davidson from Georgian College: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iStz8OdDrRI&t=19s
Andy Adams of Canadian Yachting with Ben Hatherly and Steve Tate of Gordon Bay Marine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAO4P_tqEnc&t=5s
