Marine Career Exploration Event SURGING Into Detroit this July

Detroit, Michigan - July 16th, 2024 - A first of its kind collaboration between educational and youth organizations, marine companies, and state leaders is set to make waves in Detroit this summer in an effort to expand access to marine industry careers.

SURGE: Detroit River is a marine exploration event providing inner city youth with hands-on experiences and exposure to the water with a boat ride on the Detroit River. The event is free for guests and open to young people from 14-24 years of age. SURGE is being led by Great Lakes Boat Building School, a marine trades school in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The event will take place at Riverside Marina which is owned and operated by Jason McGuire, the only African American marina operator in the State of Michigan, and one of only eight in the country.

Great Lakes Boat Building School offers two 12-month training programs with focuses on wooden boat building and marine technician certification. With an almost 100% placement rate upon graduation, GLBBS President Nikki Storey says there is a high demand for employees but a lack of awareness about careers in the industry. "Recreational boating supports over 30,000 jobs in Michigan alone" says Storey. "For those interested in learning a skilled trade this is a great field to jump into, with plenty of room for growth and the ability to work anywhere there's water."

GLBBS and Riverside Marina have brought together representatives from the Michigan Department of Outdoor Recreation, Michigan Boating Industries Association, and the Green Door Initiative to help organize this event. "Together, we are focused on creating a powerful movement - increasing access for youth to Michigan's recreational boating by providing exposure to careers on the water." says Storey.

SURGE is a completely free event thanks to financial support from leaders in the marine industry. Companies and associations such as Safe Harbor Marinas, Formula Boats, Correct Craft, MBIA, ABYC, Soundings Trade Only, Dometic, Ray Marine, NMMA, West Systems, and Yamaha have come on board through sponsorships or to offer interactive activities. The result is a youth focused event that promises to give attendees new insight on the types of careers they can pursue. "The marine industry needs a new generation of employees to step forward, and the best way to get someone excited about learning this trade is to get them on the water." says McGuire. "As a community we have to come together to be able to offer these opportunities to our youth."

SURGE will welcome 300 guests broken into morning and afternoon groups or "flights". These flights will explore marine sectors featuring hands-on activities with focuses on marine electronics and systems, propulsion and boat manufacturing, and boating safety and experience. The Detroit Coast Guard, Sheriff, and Fire Department will be on site to guide safety presentations and showcase the "fire boats" used by the city of Detroit. Attendees will enjoy a lunchtime message from special guest Ish Monroe, a Bassmaster Elite Professional Angler.

"The long term goal is to take this pilot project and create a template to "plug and play" in other cities across the United States." says Storey. "Our intentions are to make a "SURGE" across the country, expanding access to recreational boating and the careers it represents. It makes sense that Michigan, a state encompassed by the Great Lakes, is leading the way."

For more information about the event visit glbbs.edu/surge or contact Great Lakes Boat Building School at 906-484-1081.

_About Great Lakes Boat Building School

GLBBS produces qualified students from their Comprehensive Career Boat Building Program (CCBB) and the Marine Service Technology Program (MST), in partnership with Mercury Marine University, with a consistent 100% placement rate. The School addresses the shortage of skilled trades and craftspeople in the marine industry following graduation. For prospective student enrollment information go to http://[email protected] or call 906.484.1081.

Great Lakes Boat Building School is a non-profit organization recognized as a charitable organization and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges