The marine repair technology program at National Park College dates back to the early 1970s and is one of the more unique job-training programs in the state, maybe even the country.
Where else but Hot Springs, surrounded by lakes and rivers in a part of the country noted for its outdoor recreation, could such a program be housed? The only program of its kind in the state and one of just a handful nationwide, marine tech at NPC trains students in all facets of the marine repair industry including engine repair, fiberglass and off-season boat maintenance.
The curriculum, which spans two years and 38 credit hours, entails introduction to marine repair, theory of 2-cycle and 4-cycle engines, electrical systems, service and routine maintenance, fuel service and as a symbolic cherry on top, coveted internships at industry manufacturers.
Program instructor Delmar Hunter says internships are available to students who pass the work-ethic portion of the program with a 3.0 grade point average, and notes that most lead to full-time employment. Students also receive industry certifications with engine manufacturers Yamaha, Mercury, BRP and Suzuki. This month, NPC will begin hosting Suzuki factory training.
In January, NPC dedicated a new marine tech building, 7,500 square feet with four bays each spanning 25 feet by 60 feet. With it, school officials hope to double the size of the program. Currently, it averages about 12 students per semester. NPC president John Hogan believes the investment will pay dividends.
“Students are going to benefit from this program. Generations are going to benefit from this program, so it’s worth the risk. It’s worth the investment and that’s what we want to continue to do.”
The NPC program fills an important role but a workforce shortage persists, local industry leaders told ribbon-cutting attendees. “Finding and retaining great technical help in our industry is not easy,” said Rick Kesterson, president of Futrall Marine in Hot Springs. “A workforce issue quickly turns into a customer service issue. It’s all about providing our customers with great experiences and all roads lead to us all coming together collectively to get trained qualified personnel out into the marketplace.”
Bill Barnes, president of Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa, said marine technicians will always be in demand in Arkansas.
“Arkansas has 600,000 acres of lakes and 10,000 miles of rivers and streams. There are 16,000 registered boats just in a five-county area right here, and that doesn’t count all of the stuff that gets trailered in,” he told students. “With every graduating class here, you fill a huge void with quality, quality people that are embarking on a wonderful career path.
“When I was a kid growing up, it was a motor mechanic. These young men and women are technicians. They are absolutely technicians. You look at these engines, and the size and the sophistication, and frankly the cost. They are technicians. They are high quality people charged with keeping an expensive, very elaborate piece of equipment running.”
