// INDUSTRY VOICES
Prospects test their talents and batteries .
President of Irish Boat Shop , Michael Esposito shares the importance of shore power testing to prevent electric shock drownings .
In order to prepare students for careers in the marine industry we must keep our finger on the pulse of what skills employers require and what obstacles are preventing them from finding the skilled
tradespeople they need .
for employers to engage with GLBBS through a new program – Marine Dealer Education Network ( MDEN ). Through an investment in our students and programs , we work with employers to build out opportunities for career awareness at their place of business . Recently our inaugural member , Irish Boat Shop , located in Northern Michigan , worked with GLBBS to host a Marine Trades Showcase event . This event brought in prospective students ( and thus prospective employees ) to participate in marine specific skilled trades activities . The showcase featured eight different hands-on activities , great local food , and giveaways for students who all came from all across Northern Michigan and Upper Peninsula .
The MDEN program continues to expand , more partners will be engaged , and additional awareness created . Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales ( JBYS ), with seven locations along the Great Lakes and one in Naples , Florida , signed on as our second MDEN partner and planning is underway for the first JBYS Marine Trades Showcase this fall in Southeast Michigan . Additional partnerships are under consideration and the first year we will limit participation to ensure our effectiveness . The goal is to create a national career awareness campaign with the support of the major manufacturers and dealers and provide hands-on engaging events that create a lasting impression on a diverse group of future students and employees .
Last year ’ s Darlene Briggs Awardee , Roxanne Rockvam , wrote her Boating Industry article titled “ Be the One to Make Change Happen ” and her words truly resonated with me . I take making change happen seriously . An awakening of awareness is taking place , and solutions to the dire workforce issues through partnerships with educational institutions like GLBBS and employers is key to ensuring its success .
Nikki Storey , President of Great Lakes Boat Building School ( GLBBS ), heads the only accredited marine trades institution in the Midwest Region . A native to Michigan ’ s Eastern Upper Peninsula , where the school is located , Nikki grew up in a family of skilled trades people , giving her a strong understanding of the importance of trade-focused careers . With a degree in Business Management and a minor in Human Resources , Nikki also has many years of extensive Human Resources experience helping employers attract and onboard new staff . Nikki ’ s work has been recognized industry wide . In 2020 , She received the Lighthouse Award from Michigan Boating Industry Association and was named as one of Boating Industry ’ s 40 under 40 . In 2022 , Nikki appeared in Boating Industry ’ s 2022 Women Making Waves and was awarded the Darlene Briggs Marine Woman of the year by Boating Industry and the MRAA Educational Foundation .
www . boatingindustry . com june 2023
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