For Immediate Release

IYRS to Host Third Annual Marine Industry Career Day on March 1

Recent Study of RI Marine Industry Tallies Labor Shortage, Opportunities in the Field

Newport (R.I.) February 13, 2008 — The International Yacht Restoration School (IYRS) of Newport will host its Third Annual Marine Industry Career Day on Saturday, March 1. The one-day event, the only marine-exclusive career fair in the state, comes at a time when newly released research tallies a 10% job vacancy rate in the marine business in Rhode Island and growing job opportunities for the future.

The study of the state's marine industry—conducted for the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association (RIMTA) and funded by the Governor's Workforce Board RI—defines this industry as over 2,300 marine-related businesses accounting for $1.6 billion in sales. The industry now provides 6,600 jobs, but that workforce will need to grow by some 36% over the next five to ten years to meet the current and anticipated demand for marine workers.

"This study defines the industry in concrete terms as a dynamic hub of business in Rhode Island, with boat builders, sailmakers, marinas and boat yards, woodworking shops, charter outfits, sailing schools, and other types of firms," says Susan Daly, VP, Marketing of IYRS. "The industry is traditionally challenged to find people with the right combination of skills and interest to work in the field—but that signals an opportunity to those who are considering a marine career or looking at how to transfer their skills to the business of boating."

At presstime, companies from Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island are expected to attend Career Day. These exhibitors include builders of both classic and modern boats, boat yards, marine equipment manufacturers, and sailmakers. Many of these exhibiting companies employ a full set of trades, such as boat builders, carpenters, electricians, laminators, mechanics, metal fabricators, painters, welders, and yard crew.

Attendees can talk with employers, learn about job opportunities and the skills required, gather information on training programs, and watch hands-on demonstrations. According to a recent study of the industry in Rhode Island, salaries in this sector exceed the state average (for more employment-related data, see the summary below).

Marine Industry Career Day runs on March 1st from 11 am to 2 pm, at the IYRS campus at 449 Thames Street in Newport. Admission is free. The event is made possible with support from the United Way of Rhode Island.

IYRS offers a two-year course in traditional boat building and restoration at its Newport campus, a one-year program in Marine Systems at its Bristol (RI) facility, as well as a full menu of Continuing Education courses. The Marine Systems program was launched in 2007 and was developed in conjunction with the American Boat & Yacht Council. IYRS also coordinates with state-wide organizations such as RIMTA and the RI Economic Development Corporation to help more individuals start careers in the marine industry and help current employees strengthen their skills and career prospects.

For more information on Career Day and IYRS programs, visit the school's website at www.iyrs.org or call 401-848-5777, ext. 220.

A Statistical Snapshot: The Marine Industry in Rhode Island*

  • The Rhode Island marine industry includes over 2,300 businesses and accounts for $1.6 billion in sales.
  • The industry provides 6,600 jobs that pay a total of $260 million in income to Rhode Island workers.
  • The average salary in this sector ($39,400) exceeds the average pay for all industries in the state ($38,100).
  • The average age of workers in Rhode Island's marine trades is higher than the state average for all workers; over 600 new employees will be needed to replace those likely to retire over the next decade.
  • The average job vacancy rate within the marine trades business is 10%. The highest sectors are boatbuilding (17%) and boat service/repair (14%).
  • The skills areas identified as being in highest demand are engine repair, followed by electronics, computers, and woodworking.
  • A total of 2,400 workers will need to be trained over the next five to ten years to meet the current and anticipated future employment needs of the state's small to medium-sized marine-related businesses.

*Data based on "The Marine Trades in Rhode Island: A Skills Gap Analysis" (2008), conducted for the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association, funded by the Governor's Workforce Board RI 

 MEDIA CONTACTS: Susan Daly (401-848-5777, ext 220) / Cynthia Goss (203-453-2731)