Marine Service Technology program comes to Cecil County
Published on November 3, 2023
From left are, Cecil College President Mary Way Bolt; Executive Director of Marine Trades Association of Maryland John Stefancik; EVP of Eastern Operations for Safe Harbor Marinas Daniel Mock; Regional Vice President Mid Atlantic East Region for Safe Harbor Marinas Christie Stillwaugh; current student in the program Chad Thomas; Executive Director for Upper Shore Regional Council Susan O’Neill; Woody Jackson; Cecil County Executive Danielle Hornberger; Marine Service Technology program instructor Captain Bill Weyant.
CHESAPEAKE CITY, Md.: Cecil College continues to meet the workforce needs of local industries with the grand opening and ribbon cutting of its newly launched Marine Service Technology program at the Bohemia Vista Marina, located at 140 Bohemia Vista Marina Road in Chesapeake City, Md.
The new Marine Service Technology program will provide students with an introduction to the marine service industry, using a curriculum from the American Boat and Yacht Council. They will be training in a state-of-the-art facility provided by Safe Harbor Marinas, where they will learn the fundamentals of marine engines, outboard and inboard maintenance, marine electrical systems, boat safety, industry standards, and more. Upon completing the program, students can earn their Marine Service Technician Certificate.
“Our vision has always been clear,” said Miles Dean, Dean for Continuing Education and Workforce Development. “At Cecil College, we prioritize staying attuned to the demands and shifts in the industry. The evident need for an expanded marine technology workforce was a clarion call for us, one that we could not ignore.”
In an era where the maritime industry’s heartbeat is felt more prominently than ever, Cecil County’s marinas found themselves at a crossroads, grappling with the persistent challenge of finding qualified technicians locally. This predicament led them to cast their recruitment nets far and wide, drawing individuals from across the nation to work in our local marinas.
“Cecil College’s Marine Service Technology program is a beacon of innovation and forward-thinking. Investing in our community and its future technicians strengthens our local workforce and reinforces Cecil County’s reputation as a hub of marine excellence,” said Cecil College President Dr. Mary Way Bolt.
Recognizing this palpable gap, Cecil College, true to its mission of advancing community growth through education, has pioneered a new Marine Service Technology program. Designed to equip individuals with specialized skills and knowledge, this program promises to usher in a new era of maritime technicians. This initiative is a testament to the College’s commitment to adapt and respond to workforce needs and underlines its dedication to fostering local talent.
In attendance at the ceremony were Cecil County Executive Danielle Hornberger, Executive Vice President of Eastern Operations for Safe Harbor Marinas Daniel Mock, Executive Director for Upper Shore Regional Council Susan O’Neill, and Executive Director for Marine Trades Association of Maryland John Stefancik.
The invaluable partnership with Safe Harbor Marinas further solidified the program’s inception. In a groundbreaking move, Safe Harbor Marinas generously pledged to construct a state-of-the-art facility at the Bohemia Vista Marina in Chesapeake City. This facility will serve as the training ground for the Marine Service Technology program, ensuring that students have access to hands-on experiences in a real-world environment. This strategic collaboration showcases the seamless synergy between educational institutions and industry partners.
“Safe Harbor’s inclination to look afar for talent and training compelled us to introspect. We realized that if we could harness our resources collectively, we could build something monumental here in Cecil County. It’s a win-win for our local marina owners, Safe Harbor, and Cecil College,” said Dean.