Developing a strong community in British Columbia’s marine industry. Quadrant Marine Institute 20 years in the making
Feb 22, 2018
As ONBOARD’s West Coast Editor, I recently had the opportunity to talk with Shelley McIvor, Quadrant Marine Institute’s managing director about the institute’s apprenticeship program. For 20 years, the Marine service technician program (MTS) has generated highly skilled professionals, for British Columbia’s marine industry.
Campbell Black president of Quadrant and Black Line Marine here demonstrates marine service skills at Parkland Secondary School’s career fair.
Shelley had this to say: “Attitudes and motivations change the job and it becomes a career. Industries that offer a career path develop and maintain a healthy professional culture. Being part of a larger professional community attracts entry-level and experts alike.”
“Apprenticeship training goes beyond classroom theory tests. Eighty percent of learning is through shop floor experience and practice along with mentoring from professionals. Employer’s that invest in their employee’s careers will find a level of long-term connection and motivation.”
Ralph Anderson, the first graduate of the program is part of a team that maintains the fleet of rigid-hull inflatable’s and motor lifeboats at the Coast Guard station in Patricia Bay. Shelley recounted how Ralph’s career path evolved and what he said, “I started working in Composites in 1978. I just picked up things as I went. There was no formal training then. I started Quadrants program in 1997. It was easy to say there is mechanics, electrical and wood, but in the program you see how they are all married together in a whole boat. You see what skills you have that carryover to other areas of the industry as well.”
Anthony Utley, owner of Raven Marine Services.
Shelley went on to say, “With increased technical standards in the recreational marine industry, skills training is essential to business adaptability and economic success. Quadrants whole-boat training provides a foundation of core subjects all marine technicians need. Their understanding of the whole-boat form and function is critical to the sustainability and credibility of our industry.”
“Just as the recreational marine service industry continues to rebuild after the 2008 recession, we face the same challenges as other larger industries: succession planning for our retiring workforce, managing seasonal work cycles, and a shortage of skilled workers, many of whom were diverted to other industries. With that in mind, Quadrant works to build professional pride and respect for tradition and innovation across the broad range of recreational vessels we service. “
As an industry-born and led training organization, Quadrant Marine Institute also had to survive those long years after 2009. Evidence of it’s success is seeing the program come full circle after two decades. Their earliest graduates are service managers, project managers and marine business owners who encourage their employees to take apprenticeship training. Some come back as instructors and board members. Others sit on industry and government advisory committees for workforce development.
Andrea Morrison, composites specialist at Black Line Marine in Sidney, BC
Graduates share their experience and free public seminars at boat shows and yacht clubs. They speak at schools and job fairs on the challenges and opportunities in the Marine trades. Their dedication and long-term connections to the larger industry reflect Quadrant’s ultimate vision of apprenticeship training.
The program that began as a local solution to a skilled-labour gap is celebrating 20 years in technical training and competency assessment. Today, it’s the collateral and collective benefits from those friendships that stand out most. They have created a strong professional community and culture that creates successful businesses and some future leaders in the Marine trades.
-BN
