CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GRADUATES OF STC’S MARINE SERVICE TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM! The celebratory ceremony took place on August 17, 2023 and was attended by proud family and friends, as well as members of the STC Marine Advisory Committee, and of course, program instructor, Keith Rollins. The class consisted of eight students, including three Veterans, one high school dual enrolled student and a former Marine Biologist (Mark) who says he is looking forward to getting himself ‘Back on the Water’.
After an almost two decade-long hiatus, new graduate, Mark, said he saw an ad for the STC Marine Service program and “knew” it was time to go back to school. “I used to work for FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) as a Marine Biologist during the Autumn and Spring months. Then I’d go to Alaska for the summer to do commercial salmon fishing. I did this routine for six years. It was great!” Mark says the lifestyle was not conducive to having a family, so he gave it up when he found out his wife was pregnant. “I took a managerial position in customer service and though I did not intend for it to be permanent, I was there for almost 18 years.” Mark went through a divorce and raised three children on his own. With two off to college and one left at home, he decided it was time to get back to a career in the marine environment.
“This program has opened the door to so many opportunities in the marine service technology field.” Mark says his new skillset will allow him to perform engine work, boat maintenance, boat building, electronics and so much more. He’s also hoping to get into the satellite industry of boats, where he says, “Million dollar boats are rolling off assembly lines just waiting for people to do custom installations! The possibilities and types of work I can do in this field are limitless.” Mark says the training provided in the program was invaluable. “Mr. Rollins' in-depth, extensive knowledge of boating, and mechanics, and electronics, combined with his genuine interest in the success of each of us, was nothing less than awesome.”
The Marine Service Technologies program is approximately 12 months in length. According to instructor Keith Rollins, “This was one of the most motivated classes I’ve had the privilege of teaching. They were also the first Marine Service class to take the STC boat out on the open water to run and diagnose mechanical issues. I wish them all the success in the world.”