BOATING INDUSTRY CANADA – News Week Career Profile

POSITION/JOB TITLE: Service Manager

Your previous position or title if applicable: gas dock student, Marine tech apprentice, marine technician, assistant service manager

The area you live in: Wiarton Ontario [Bruce Peninsula]

The number of years you’ve been in this position: three

The number of years you’ve been in the marine industry: 16

Tell us about your education: 

Did you complete high school? yes

Did you complete any post secondary? yes

Marine industry courses or training? Mercury Marine training, ABY C Marine systems certified, ABY C Marine electrical certified

Apprenticeship? small engine mechanic apprentice at Fleming College, Marine engine technician apprentice at Sioux college

On-the-job training? WHMIS training, Working At Heights, Fall Arrest/Protection, First Aid, Marine Handling Equipment training

Describe your job in a few sentences: What is it that you like about your job?: Starting on the gas dock is a summer student in high school in 2001, I was offered a Marine technician apprenticeship in 2004 which I gladly accepted. Licensed in 2007 I work as a Marine technician for six years and slowly took the role of assistant service manager, taking the service manager position full-time in 2015. Running the service department includes customer relations and contact, inputting work orders, inventory control, parts orders, invoicing, and preparing estimates are among many other daily tasks. What I like most about this job is the satisfaction you get when a customer will leaves with their boat knowing that they and their boat have been looked after in a professional manner whether it was a head [toilet] repair or an engine installation.

Are there tasks or responsibilities that you dislike?: Due to the short boating season in Ontario one of my worst fears is having to, customer and report to them that their boat or engine will not be ready for the weekend or their vacation. Whether it’s due to parts backordered or unforeseen additional repairs, it’s never nice to make that call although most customers are very understanding.

What are your overall feelings? The job can be very rewarding when you and your team resolve an issue that a customer may have been having for some time. The marine industry can also be very challenging as you need to be a mechanic, plumber, electrician, woodworker and occasionally get into cosmetic and structural repairs. Each day is a new adventure.

What quality of life would you say your career in the marine industry has provided you?: The marine industry has offered me full-time, year-round employment in the town that I grew up in. I consider myself very fortunate to be able to work and raise my family in my hometown.

What else would you tell a young person about your life in the marine industry?: The marine industry can take you all over the world if you want to. Whether it is being a technician, becoming a marine surveyor, doing fiberglass repair, becoming a Marine engineer, working for the Coast Guard or Armed Forces. The possibilities are endless in the marine industry.

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