// PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP this issue . At GLBBS we have started a program called ‘ Marine Dealer Education Network ’ whose purpose is to develop partnerships with our key employers . In partnership with the MDEN members , we host a “ Marine Trades Showcase ” at their location and invite high school students to try out “ the tools in the trade ” to open their eyes to the possibilities of marine careers .
I have a personal goal to see the industry create more awareness nationally with a focus on diversity . I know I can ’ t do it alone ; it ’ s going to be a big job . I am looking for industry partners to take our micro “ Marine Trades Showcase ” and go macro . I mean BIG .
Envision this : busloads of students from a variety of backgrounds arrive at a marina for the first time in their life . The students are super excited when they hear they ’ re going for a boat ride . Many have never been on a boat and it ’ s the most amazing opportunity . They unload from the bus , with music blaring that they relate to . Lined up are the bright , shiny manufacturer marketing trailers featuring engines and electrical components , boat builders , etc . Students freely rotate from vendor to vendor , getting their hands on equipment they ’ ve never seen or touched . On the water are BOATS they can climb into and enjoy a ride . What ’ s cooler for these kids than a boat ride ? After an hour or two of immersive activities , students load up and another batch of students cycles through .
My plan , contingent on industry support , is to have one event in a city in the Great Lakes region . From there , we develop a template to take to many cities like Miami , Boston , Chicago , Knoxville , etc .
No industry can compete with what we have to offer , and no industry is doing what I ’ m suggesting . We would knock the lights out !
BI : Locally , how can marine companies attract qualified technicians ? NS : Have a plan for their future . Express your dedication and plans to invest in their future . You aren ’ t hiring the local pizza guy anymore to be a technician . You are hiring a professional .
Consider the average annual salaries in the US from some of our competing careers , based on data from Ziprecruiter . com : plumber , $ 74,253 ; electrician , $ 70,880 ; aviation mechanic , $ 67,131 ; diesel tech , $ 64,003 ; bricklayer , $ 60,502 ; automotive tech , $ 57,813 ; carpenter , $ 56,050 … and marine tech , $ 55,632 and marine carpenter , $ 52,115 ,
If you ’ re unable to hire employees at the pay scale they are requesting , show them the path of how you plan to get to the pay they desire upon completion of certifications and attainment of goals .
These careers are what the marine industry is competing against , along with other extremely savvy and marketable skilled trade programs . Unions and other industries are strategically investing in schools and programs to create career awareness .
The marine industry needs to catch up .
Nikki with the GLBBS Board Directors and an artistic rendering of the future Marine Skilled Trades Facility .
BI : How are you partnering with other industry organizations ? NS : We host onsite events through MDEN and actively work with the employer to recruit , while also offering exclusive opportunities for employers to have active engagement with our enrolled students . We have started with three partners including Irish Boat Shop , Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales , and Lakeside Marine , with the goal to expand to five .
We work with employers who provide scholarships and sponsorships . Irish Boat Shop offers a $ 15,000 sponsorship . Tiara Yachts offers two sponsorships at $ 15,000 to support students while attending GLBBS ; upon graduation , students are committed to one year of employment . Industry scholarships have also been offered from Mercury Racing , Elk Rapids Marine and Safe Harbor Marinas .
One great way we have found significant support is through partners who provide in-kind equipment , or funding for equipment . Examples include engines from Mercury , Volvo Penta and Ilmo ; generator from Interstate Power and Kohler ; lithium-ion battery system from Victron ; boat donation from Gage Marine ; financial support from the National Marine Distributors Association for $ 25,000 and Marine Leadership Alliance for $ 10,000 .
BI : You ’ re a whirlwind , Nikki . What ’ s your secret to staying charged up ? NS : One of my favorite quotes is by Joyce Meyers : “ I may not be where I want to be but thank God I am not where I used to be .”
The reality is emerging professionals may not recognize when they admire leaders that we haven ’ t always been leaders . I ’ ve been a dishwasher , administrative assistant , golf course beverage cart server , gas station cashier , secretary , worker ’ s compensation coordinator , business manager and a laborer at a local quarry . Each one of those entry or middle management level jobs built me into the leader and teammate I am today .
Leading isn ’ t something leaders naturally know how to do . It takes passion and tenacity , and a lot of it . I ’ m pushing every day for myself and the people around me to be better than we were yesterday . I have a fire , a drive to do amazing things .
Over time , I realized I needed to put the work in to learn tactics to be a good leader and lead a successful team . Daily , I listen to Masterclass which provides tools and the framework to overcome challenges . I also listen to Peptalk to keep my fire burning . I learn by being a ‘ conversation sponge ’ … in almost every conversation I have with students , industry leaders , family , my board and team , I walk away with new reference points , concepts and different ways of thinking . We are all surrounded by people who are our teachers . Soak it up !
www . boatingindustry . com march 2024
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