The recreational boating industry has a $7.8 billion economic impact on the state of Michigan and directly employs more than 58,000 people. The marine industry is growing and has a high demand for employees who enjoy working on or near the water, and on boats!
Rewarding careers in the recreational boating industry include but aren’t limited to job titles like: Technician, Marine Mechanic, Yacht Maintenance, Fiberglass Tech, Engine Mechanic, Dock Worker, Parts Manager, Service Manager, & Outboard Technician, Sales Manager, Sales Representative, and more.
Skills needed are easily transferred from and to other industries and include: Electrical work, plumbing, diesel & gas engine work, fiberglass, & sterndrive systems.
Salaries within the recreational boating industry typically range from $35,000-$80,000 annually.
There are many education programs currently available to get you trained– and more are on their way. MBIA is now building programs at both high school and community college levels. Check out the schools below and be the first to know when enrollment opens for the MBIA program by contacting MBIA at boatmichigan@mbia.org or 734.261.0123 ext. 0.
The recreational boating industry in Michigan is a great place to work!
RBIEF, a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation, was founded in 1986 by the Michigan Boating Industries Association to provide financial support for education, training and professional development in the recreational marine trades. Specifically, RBIEF’s purpose is to offer financial assistance through full or matching tuition and program funding for MBIA members, member’s employees, family and students whenever funding is available. To learn more and, if eligible, to apply for a scholarship – click here.