By Sarah Devlin Accreditation Director , ABYC Foundation

The American Boat & Yacht Council ( ABYC ) Foundation has been looking to schools that provide Marine Service Technology programs as a means to fill the labor gap in the boat building and repair industry . One initiative is to highlight the educators who have made an impact on students and industry with an annual Educator of the Year award . The Foundation receives multiple nominations , vetted through various ABYC staff and industry stakeholders .

This year , the honor goes to Freddie Fowler of Manatee Technical College ( MTC ) in Bradenton , Fla . We caught up with Fowler via email .

ABYC Foundation : How did you end up teaching marine service technology ? Freddie Fowler : While I was working for Yellowfin , my former instructor and mentor Kelly Ewing ( Prior MTC Marine Services Technology Instructor , Retired ) informed me that a part-time position was available at MTC . I applied and the rest was history .

ABYC : What is most rewarding about teaching these students ? FF : Seeing students who struggled at the beginning of the program become confident in their abilities to work on boats and start a successful career . I enjoy working side-by-side with students on issues that arise while working on a project to instill confidence in them to know they can find solutions .

ABYC : Can you talk a bit about your relationship with the marine industry as a whole — how do you engage folks who work in the industry with your students and graduates ? FF : I like this question , because it ’ s extremely important for our industry , advisory , and business partners to understand how to engage and work with the technical schools that have marine service programs . Now , not all marine programs are the same and I don ’ t want our program to be the same because I want to do something that has

never been done before .

My approach to industry leaders is to get involved with the tech schools . Most industry partners look at me funny when I say this : “ Come see our program for yourself and speak to our students . You don ’ t want to hear it from me ; you want to hear it from the students . See our classroom , what we are currently accomplishing , and what the program is progressing too . I ’ m not asking for money , nor do I need or want donations ; what I want is your advice and involvement .” Advisory input is more important to the program , curriculum , and students . It keeps us in check . Also , keep in mind I never look at our program as mine . It belongs to our industry , and we need businesses to ensure we are teaching the correct information and current technology . The marine industry evolves and changes so fast , so their involvement is crucial .

I believe we are doing something different here at MTC and I hope that other technical schools and the entire industry take notice .

ABYC : Have students changed much over the years , and in what way ? How do you work with students who struggle with the work ? FF : I ’ ve only been an instructor for two and half years , so I haven ’ t seen much change in students .

Now , our numbers have increased because I believe what we are doing at MTC , teaching the “ total boat concept ,” is making a difference and the community is seeing that .

What has changed is technology in the industry . People are wanting to have the same amenities in their boats as they do in their cars and homes . So , the days of just working on motors is over . The new technician needs to understand the boat from front to back . We teach our students from the ground up , which gives them a firm foundation that can be built upon as we move into more complex topics such as engine diagnostics and repair , electronics installation , network installation , and electrical install and troubleshooting . Not only does this program provide a firm foundation for students , but it also prepares them for the future .

ABYC : What are some principles you instill in your students ? FF : I tell my students “ I ’ m training my replacement every day ” I come into work .

We are not in the business of doing guesswork . Your certification , reputation , and people ’ s lives depend on it . Never stop learning and listening . Most importantly : “ Read the Manual !”

ABYC : Do you want to give any shoutouts to team members ? FF : Thank you to former marine service instructor and mentor Kelly Ewing , Yamaha District Service Manager ( DSM ) Kerry Schroeder , Suzuki Service Representative Lius Gonzalez , NMEA Director Mark Reedenauer , ABYC Foundation Accreditation Director Sarah Devlin , and fellow instructor , Ron Tomlin , for all their support . Also , the Marine Service Technology Program wouldn ’ t be where it is today if not for the continuous support of Doug Wagner , Director of MTC , and Justin Erickson , Deputy Director of MTC .

Past winners include Kevin McKiernan , North Providence High School ( 2022 ); Magnus Gedda , Volvo Penta of the Americas , and Anthony Margiotta , College of the Florida Keys ( 2021 ); Stephen Spencer , Palm Beach State College ( 2020 ).

12 may 2024 www . boatingindustry . com