Our waterfront companies tell us that their #1 problem is finding workers with the skills and abilities to work in this maritime industry.
Our quest to find a training program to adapt brought us to Sidney, British Columbia, Canada. Quadrant Marine Institute has been educating Marine Service Technicians since 1996. We gratefully launched the Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship training professional Marine Service Technicians in Fall 2022.
Education & Training
We are adopting the Quadrant Marine Institute model which is industry-developed and continuously updated.
The Marine Service Technician (MST) career, a U.S. Dept of Labor certified occupation, is a skilled tradesperson who builds, refits, maintains, surveys, and/or repairs vessels up to 150’. They work in marinas, boatyards, service centers, and specialty businesses serving the ever-growing small craft/recreational/commercial marine industry.
With official “Registered Apprenticeship” status from the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council, this 4-yr robust program trains professional Marine Service Technicians (MST).
Technical Training Subjects
Click on each subject block for details
SAFETY
TOOLS
DESIGN
INSTALLATIONS
COMPOSITES
METALWORK
WOOD
ELECTRICAL
SAILBOAT RIGGING
BUSINESS PRACTICES
PAINT
TRADE MATH
Technical Training combined with Work-based Experience
Specialized Training includes:
Comprehensive Vessel Instruction in 12 marine subjects
Hands-on Workshops for experience and skill development
Instruction by marine industry experts working in their specialty area
“Earn & Learn” model keeps you working and earning money as you advance towards your certification
Workplace support for skill development and competency assessment with your employer at work
Apprentices Receive
MST Training is delivered in 4 levels (1 level per year) based in Bellingham, Washington
Work-Based Training: 80% on-the-job training
Technical Training: 20% Related Supplemental Instruction (RSI)
One evening a week class
One Saturday Workshop a month
Format & Location
To apply for MST Training at the Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship, you must be:
Working in the Marine Service Industry.
Apprentices must have an Employer Sponsor who can provide work-based learning experience.
Please contact us for further information regarding employment.
A minimum of:
18 years of age and have a high school diploma/GED.
10th grade Math and English is recommended.
Please contact us if you are concerned about your math or language skills.
Eligibility
Reliable computer, webcam, speakers, and internet (smartphones and spotty wi-fi are not sufficient). We can assist with technology.
Preparation for class is essential and involves 60-90 minutes of reading and assignments per week.
70% score is required to pass for MST certification.
Regularly check and reply to email and/or text message updates.
Attendance and participation at all classes and workshops.
Apply learning and professionalism at work.
Expectations & Requirements
Level 1:
Classes: Sept 2023 to April 2024, Wednesday nights 5:30-7:30 p.m. PST
Workshops: one Saturday per month
Detailed schedules available August 2023
Tuition: $1500 per level (tuition and fees may be subject to change), Employer Sponsors may share training costs.
To honor their military service, Veteran’s Aid is available to former servicemen and women.
Dates & Cost
For More Information
The Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship training professional Marine Service Technicians (MST) began in Bellingham, WA in response to the need of marine trades companies for skilled workers to fill the many open career positions.
We train employees about the “whole boat”–from stem to stern. This comprehensive vessel instruction provides the MST with an essential understanding of how the many systems on a vessel work together. MST’s learn the fundamentals and theory in combination with practical application.
The Apprenticeship Committee members are active in management of the program, teaching and advising in current marine industry trades training and workplace competency assessment.