Broward College Receives Evinrude Outboard Engine for Hands-On Training

Donation from the ABYC Foundation and Evinrude Will Increase Job Opportunities for Marine Technicians

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (Feb. 22, 2019) – Broward College continues to team up with industry leaders to strengthen its marine technician program to provide students with additional skills, practical experience and certification needed to combat the shortage of workers in this field.

Today, the College announced they have received the first outboard engine donation from the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) Foundation, which recently received $2 million dollars' worth of engines from Evinrude, a global manufacturer of outboard marine engines. With this supply, the ABYC Foundation is partnering with secondary and post-secondary schools, like Broward College, around the country to support the next generation of marine technicians.

"This partnership represents a significant opportunity for our students as the demand for marine technicians continues to grow," said Dean of Transportation Programs at Broward College, Russell McCaffery. "We are proud to be part of this program that will train and certify the next generation of marine technicians."

The donation includes access to Evinrude's training curriculum, including fundamentals and professional level online courses. Upon successful completion of this curriculum and associated tests, students will have the option to transition to the certification-level course at Evinrude's technical training centers.

"Recreational boats are becoming increasingly more integrated which requires technicians to be well versed in a multitude of advanced systems," said Tracy Crocker, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Evinrude. "We are providing the tools necessary to increase the number of certified professionals trained to service modern, technologically-advanced direct fuel-injection engines."

ABYC develops global safety standards for the design, construction, maintenance, and repair of recreational boats. With the recent publication of Fundamentals of Marine Service Technology, a comprehensive training program geared toward secondary and post-secondary education, ABYC has demonstrated its commitment to the growth of the marine industry and is a natural partner for the donation. ABYC will offer this accredited curriculum, which includes textbooks and training materials, together with the Evinrude outboards and training curriculum to schools. This program gives Broward College the tools needed to implement a standards-based curriculum including instructor guides, presentations, and sample tests.

For more information on the program, visit www.abycfoundation.org.

ABOUT EVINRUDE:

Evinrude, part of the BRP Marine Group, is a global manufacturer of outboard marine engines. A model of innovation, Evinrude developed the first commercially viable outboard engine in 1909. Celebrating 110 years of innovation in 2019, Evinrude's engine line up, from 3.5 to 300 HP, offers customers superior value across a full range of applications while meeting all global emissions standards. Engines are available at authorized Evinrude dealerships worldwide. For more information visit http://www.evinrude.com.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN BOAT & YACHT COUNCIL AND THE ABYC FOUNDATION:

Since 1954, the non-profit American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) has developed safety standards for boat design, construction, equipage, repair, and maintenance. The essential global source of marine industry technical information, ABYC's product safety standards, credentialing, education, training, and other tools help members make boating safer.

The ABYC Foundation supports the mission of the American Boat & Yacht Council, with a focus on workforce development and providing resources that create educational and lifelong career opportunities to both current and aspiring marine service technicians. To get involved, visit www.abycfoundation.org.