First Marine Dual Enrollment Program for High School Students Gets Underway at Broward College

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Sept. 27, 2019) – The program designed to meet industry demand will see South Broward High School students taking classes at Broward College over the next three years toward certification as marine technicians. They will earn four short-term technical certificates, which will also prepare them to earn six industry certifications demonstrating mastery of critical professional skills. 

Courses include marine electronics, marine welding, and marine electricity. Participating students can continue their education at Broward College to complete the Associate of Science in Marine Engineering Management.

The first cohort of students in the program are in grades 10 to 12 and an impressive 41 percent, or 12 of the 29, are female. The Marine Dual Enrollment program follows the launch of the College's first career dual enrollment in Aviation last year with Miramar High School. 

"Broward College is committed to offering our community opportunities for real-world skills that lead to meaningful employment, and we are starting these training options at the high school level," said Broward College President Gregory Haile. "Thanks to our strong relationship with Broward County Public Schools, these students will be equipped with an in-demand skill upon completion of high school and have a jumpstart on becoming certified marine technicians to join one of the fastest-growing industries in the region." 

According to Emsi, a Labor Market research tool used by the College, there are currently more than three times as many job openings than degree completions in Broward County in the category of Mechanics Technology/Technician.  Similarly, a 2018 Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and Career Source Florida Marine Industry Skill Gaps and Job Vacancy Survey Report indicates there were 1,352 estimated job vacancies across all Marine Industry clusters in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).  

"These students are on the path toward pursuing a lucrative career in an industry that has a shortage of skilled labor," said Sean Gallagan, associate dean of transportation programs at Broward College. "We are not only finding high-paying jobs for our students, but supporting local businesses as well." 

He added that local employers seeking skilled marine technicians include Derecktor Shipyard, Lauderdale Marine Center, RPM Diesel, and Roscioli.