NEWS RELEASE
MARINE TRADES INSTITUTE
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Great Lakes Boat Building School is pleased to announce its rebranding as Marine Trades Institute, a new name encompassing the growth of the school’s educational programs and reflecting its expanded role in training the next generation of marine workers.
The rebrand honors the school’s deep roots in boat building and craftsmanship while positioning the Institute to continue expanding programming to serve anyone looking to enter the world of marine skilled trades. The Marine Trades Institute is restructuring its programs to enhance its educational offerings and grow its audience to better reach those seeking careers and training in the marine industry.
To achieve these goals, the Institute will transition its current programs into two distinct schools. The Boat Building School will house the school’s flagship Comprehensive Career Boat Building Program, and any future wooden or specialized boat building programs. The Marine Technology School will house the Marine Service Technology Program and future certifications in areas like marine electronics.
This restructuring will empower each school to independently grow and adapt its programs, informing students of the opportunities with marine careers. The decision to rebrand was carefully considered by GLBBS leadership and deemed necessary to the school’s long term success. By restructuring the Boat Building School and Marine Technology School under the broader Marine Trades Institute name, it will enable the organization to better compete for federal funding and open doors to new training opportunities for future students.
The new name better aligns with the school’s national impact, as its alumni contribute to the marine industry across the country and students come from all across the United States and Canada.
“We’re proud of our history and the incredible legacy of the Great Lakes Boat Building School, which has shaped so many careers,” said Nikki Storey, president of Marine Trades Institute. “As we expand, the new name helps us reach those looking to become skilled in marine trades while allowing us to embrace a wider audience and continue to grow our programming and impact. We remain steadfast to our founding principles of craftsmanship and hands-on training, which have cemented GLBBS as a respected institution in the Great Lakes region.”
“We’re excited about the future,” added Joe Reid, Chairman of the Board. “This rebrand represents both evolution and continuity—bringing fresh opportunities to the school and providing new opportunities to those looking at the skilled trades as a career opportunity, all while staying true to the values that have made us who we are.”
The Marine Trades Institute is committed to equipping students with the skills and connections they need to thrive in the ever-evolving marine industry. With a focus on hands-on education and partnerships with leading marine organizations, students will graduate prepared to step into rewarding careers, whether building custom boats, maintaining cutting-edge marine technologies, or innovating within the growing marine sector.
By aligning its name and programs with industry demands, the school ensures that its students remain at the forefront of workforce readiness and success. Although the name has changed, the values that have driven the school’s success remain the same: a commitment to hands-on learning, traditional craftsmanship, technical excellence, and preparing students for successful careers in the marine trades.
By preserving its roots in the renowned Great Lakes Boat Building program through the dedicated Boat Building School, the Marine Trades Institute is not only honoring its rich legacy but also strategically investing in the future of the marine workforce.
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