The SBO Maritime Assistant Course level 1, which aims to train drop outs from the secondary school level to become professionals in the maritime sector, has delivered nine new graduates.
From the 16 students that started the course in September 2009 nine managed to complete the full course successfully: 6 with diplomas and 3 with certificates.
The course is very practical. During 1,5 days at school subjects such as Basic Mechanics, Boat Painting, Social Skills, English, Kayaking, Swimming and Dingy Driving are taught. Coordinator of the course, Rien Korteknie, especially wants to applaud the students and WIEMS for the 100% passing rate of the students for the very important First Aid Responders Course.
Three week days the students received practical training in the various marine companies on the island: e.g. maintaining boats, assisting tourists on boat trips and assisting dock hands at the big marinas. After the course 1 student has already found employment at Aqua Mania, 2 at Blue Bubbles diving company, 1 at Island water World and 1 student decided to continue to study and started with SBO Carpentry level 2 course.
The marine industry is pleased with the outcome of the course focusing on basic skills needed to be successful within the sector. The St Maarten Marine Trades Association (SMMTA) states that finding skilled local employees remains a challenge and this program is a step in the right direction to promoting the industry to the local labor force.
The SMMTA Board together with Lisa Marshall, widow of the late Paul Marshall will present the top 3 students with the 2nd Annual Paul Marshall Memorial Scholarship Award. This scholarship award was established founded to further the Maritime education of St. Maarten students through skills advancement. The recipients will expand their sailing skills through a private course offered by the St. Maarten Yacht Club, which will ensure the skill level of the participants to CWO Level 2.
In September of this year a new group of 15 students has started with The Maritime Assistant level 1 course. The course is organized by SVOBE at Milton Peters College and is financed through government and with extra financial assistance via USONA from Dutch Development Funds for Education and Youth. SBO Service center/DERPI assists the MPC-SBO team with training of teachers, job coaches, curricula development, drop-out prevention and organizational advice.
This year’s graduates will receive their diplomas and scholarship on October 21, from 7 pm (until 9 pm) at the Milton Peters College.