Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES recently became one of just 100 marine technology programs in the nation to partner with Yamaha Marine University to provide equipment and training on its products.
The list of 100 programs includes technical and community colleges, training centers and high schools, but Cayuga-Onondaga was the only BOCES in New York chosen to participate.
“Our Yamaha technical advisor toured every single vocational school in New York state and this was the only one that he was willing to partner with because of the way we do things, the facility we have, and the equipment we have,” said Todd Marcellus, an instructor for the Outdoor Power Equipment and Powersports Technology department. “He felt it was a great fit and a great next step for this program.”
The advanced training allows students an even better chance of placement in the field once they have completed the training, and puts them ahead of the curve on the master technician career path outlined by Yamaha Marine University.
Marcellus called the new program a “phenomenal opportunity” for his students.
“The marine business is booming right now. It’s had an unheard of amount of growth over the past few years, so Yamaha created this partnership across schools to create more technicians for dealers, who are starving for help,” Marcellus said. “The nice thing is Yamaha has donated some items for us and it’s really brought up the level of the program.”
Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES District Superintendent/CEO Brian Hartwell praised Marcellus for his efforts to land the new partnership.
“This is great evidence of Mr. Marcellus’ leadership and vision for the program,” Hartwell said. “I’m excited that we subscribe to some of the modules that Yamaha offers. It definitely affords our students an opportunity to separate themselves in the job market.”