NMDA Grants $25,000 gift to Great Lakes Boat Building School for Student Training

Cedarville, Michigan –  The Great Lakes Boat Building School (GLBBS) in Cedarville, Michigan will have new training opportunities for students this year thanks to a generous $25,000 donation made by the National Marine Distributors Association (NMDA). GLBBS is a leader in marine workforce development. The $25,000 donation given to GLBBS by NMDA will be used to purchase marine electrical system mock-ups, or “training pods” which will be used by students seeking their Marine Electronics Technology certification. “The Board of Directors, and membership of the National Marine Distributors Association are pleased to announce a $25,000 donation to the Great Lakes Boat Building School,” Nancy Cueroni, Executive Director of NMDA stated. She continued “The NMDA Marine Electrical Systems Lab Pod will provide two marine electrical system mock-ups for instruction and hands-on skill development. We feel strongly that the more highly trained technicians we can help develop, the better it is for all segments of our industry.”

The National Marine Distributors Association advances the growth of the marine industry by fostering partnerships with industry stakeholders, strengthening the supply chain, providing education and training, and promoting best practices when it comes to manufacturing and distribution. NMDA provides educational materials and training opportunities throughout the year to members, and brings together marine manufacturers and distributors to create open lines of communication to help address issues and strengthen the industry.

GLBBS is known for providing an exceptional hands-on education for students seeking careers such as marine carpenters or technicians, or those focused on other specialized areas of marine training. Programs are constantly being added to the GLBBS curriculum, including new certifications from Volvo Penta, Ilmor, and Mercury Marine, as well as the upcoming launch of an all new certification program in Marine Electronics Technology. With the gift from NMDA, the GLBBS staff is excited to offer a new training opportunity to students studying marine service technology and electronics, a growing field within the industry.

As with many industries, marine workers are constantly adapting to new trends in boating, including technology and equipment needs. In order to provide a high quality education, GLBBS partners with leaders in the industry to guide the school’s curriculum and provide educational opportunities and up-to-date equipment for training students. After a successful capital campaign, GLBBS is set to begin construction on a new building which will house a program focused on marine electronics training and certification. Now, GLBBS has launched the Enhancing Education through Equipment (or EEE) campaign, with a goal of raising $850,000 for the equipment needed for these new certification programs. The National Marine Distributors Association works to strengthen the marine industry through the support of marine workforce development, and their donation will provide a key piece of equipment for the EEE campaign.

With this donation, GLBBS has raised $284,919 toward the EEE campaign, or 34% of the total goal. The school is still seeking support through either monetary or in-kind donations. “We are truly humbled to receive this support from such a well-respected organization in the marine industry,’ said Nikki Storey, GLBBS President. “The NMDA represents so many outstanding businesses that their donation elevates our equipment campaign and very well could inspire others to join in and participate.”

To learn more about Great Lakes Boat Building School please visit www.glbbs.edu. To learn more about the National Marine Distributors Association please visit www.nmdaonline.com.

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About Great Lakes Boat Building School

GLBBS produces qualified students from their Comprehensive Career Boat Building Program (CCBB) and the Marine Service Technology Program (MST), in partnership with Mercury Marine University, with a consistent 100% placement rate.  The School addresses the shortage of skilled trades and craftspeople in the marine industry following graduation. For prospective student enrollment information go to glbbs.edu/admissions-aid/ or call 906.484.1081.

Information about the “GLBBS Marine Dealer Education Network” is available by contacting Tom Coates, Director of Development at thomas.coates@glbbs.edu or by calling 906.484.1081.

Great Lakes Boat Building School is a non-profit organization recognized as a charitable organization and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.