MarineMax, one of the largest marine boat retailers in the U.S., recently established a Marine Service Technician Apprenticeship Program for the State of Florida. The three-year program consists of hands-on mentor-led and online self-led training at an assigned Florida location. It can be shortened to 1.5 years with approved experience. The Marine Service Technician Apprenticeship Program is registered through the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) and is recognized by the Florida Department of Veteran’s Affairs (FDVA).

In addition to gaining approval from FDOE and FDVA for the Marine Service Technician Apprenticeship Program, MarineMax has received $382,000 from The Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant (PCOG/Pathways Grant) Program administered by FDOE to support running the program. This grant program is an annual appropriation from the Florida legislature in the General Appropriations Act that seeks applicants from high schools, charter centers, technical career centers, Florida colleges and other entities authorized to sponsor an apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship program.