Workforce Development

The MBIA has made workforce development a high priority for many years. Cultivating talent and continuing education initiatives to keep talented individuals in the pipeline help to grow our industry. It is imperative to keep and maintain a qualified workforce to provide boaters with the highest standard of customer service and keep boats on the water during the beautiful summer months in Michigan. There is a misconception that employment in the industry is seasonal like the weather, and that is not true. The Michigan marine industry offers year-round, gainful employment with good paying wages for employees in an industry that is in desperate need for skilled individuals.

EDUCATION/TRAINING PROGRAMS

MBIA maintains relationships with schools around the state the country for education opportunities and connecting qualified individuals with our member businesses.

After many years of working with industry partners, economic development offices and many other vested parties, MBIA has seen great success with the opening of two marine technician programs in our state that continue to grow and evolve. The Great Lakes Boat Building School in Cedarville, Mich., and Macomb Community College both have developed introductory marine technician certifications. Plus, both institutions plan to work with surrounding ISDs to integrate secondary education, dual enrollment opportunities.

To see a list of marine training facilities, click here.

SCHOLARSHIPS

The Recreational Boating Industry Educational Foundation, managed by MBIA, offers traditional and industry scholarships to students interested or people currently in the industry looking for advanced education. In 2021, $18,500 was awarded to nine bright individuals who show great potential and interest in having a career in the Michigan marine industry.

Click here to learn more about RBIEF and available scholarships.

CAREERS

MBIA hosts a careers page where interested parties can learn more about working in the Michigan marine industry, that has a $7.8 billion annual economic impact and directly employees more than 58,000 people. Job listings are included to see current available positions.

MBIA Members who would like to post positions are able to do so free of charge. Please contact Skylar Szymanski for more details at skylars@mbia.org.

Click here to see Careers Page and Job Listings