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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the requirements to becoming a Marine Technician Apprentice (MTAP)?

To apply for Kingsborough Community College’s (KCC) apprenticeship program, you must:

  • be 18 years or older
  • have a high school diploma or equivalent
  • be legally able work in the United States
  • have a clean drivers’ license and can provide your own transportation
  • be physically able to do the job.

Drug testing may be required and is tested randomly.

Students in the Eastern and Western Suffolk BOCES high school program must maintain a 90% attendance rate and a minimum grade point average of 80% and obtain a certificate from the marine tech program. Students in the Eastern or Western Suffolk pre-apprentice program must also meet the above requirement.

Students graduating from the Eastern or Western Suffolk BOCES programs may earn 8 college credits toward the KCC A.A.S. Maritime Technology degree. Apprentices must have their own tools or be working toward building their own set of tools.

How long does it take to complete the program?

It is estimated it will take four years of part-time college attendance to complete the degree requirements. Some classes will require the apprentice to be physically present on campus. General education core classes may be taken online through KCC or at BOCES facilities in Suffolk County downstate or at other training providers in the upstate area.

Are military veterans eligible?

Yes. Veterans can use their education and housing benefits. Military experience may also count toward advanced standing in technical subjects.

What is the format of the apprentice program?

Once you’re accepted into the program, you’ll train to become a marine service technician through a combination of “on-the-job” and formal classroom technical training. You will begin work as a full-time employee at an employer participating in the apprentice program. At the same time, you will attend technical courses one day each week each semester. Approximately 144 hours of training is expected per year. The on-the-job training lasts for approximately four years. (8,000 hours) Apprentice programs are approved and controlled by the New York State Department of Labor.

Where are the college classes held?

Your college classes will take place at Kingsborough Community College, located in the Manhattan Beach section of Brooklyn, NY.

How much does tuition cost?

Current tuition rates can be found on the bursar’s webpage. Laboratory, student fees, and books are additional. You will be expected to take a minimum of two courses per training day. Some employers have indicated they would contribute to the cost of tuition for the right apprentice. In some cases, federal or state loans may be available depending upon individual circumstances.

Are there minimum academic standards that must be met to stay in the program?

To remain in good standing, you must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and you must be in class when required. Lateness and absences will not be tolerated.

What are the main subject areas in the apprentice program?

The 8,000-hour training consists of 110 “skill” subjects within the following major topics:

● Safety and Workplace Orientation

150 hours

● Vessel Technology and Operations

1,000 hours

● Marine Operations

1,000 hours

● Coastal Piloting and Seamanship

1,000 hours

● Vessel Propulsion Systems

1,000 hours

● Marine Electrical Systems

1,000 hours

● Marine Electronics

1,000 hours

● Other Vessel repairs

1,000 hours

● Welding

1,000 hours

During the course of the apprenticeship, you will be required to achieve the minimum following industry-recognized certifications:

  • American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC)
    Marine Electrical, Gas Engine, Diesel Engine
  • National Marine Electronics Association
    Basic Marine Electronics Installer (BMEI), Basic NMEA 2000 Installer
  • Department of Environmental Conservation
    Bottom Paint Apprentice
  • OHSA
    Fork Truck Operator, Mobile Boat Hoist Operator
  • NC3
    Torque, Precision Measurement, Snap-on Meter Certification, Battery Charging and Maintenance, Starting and Charging
  • US Coast Guard
    Up to 225 sea days towards a US Coast Guard Captains License
  • Employer Specific Certifications
    Based upon franchised boat and engine lines

Suppose I already have college credits. Are credits transferable to Kingsborough?

College general education courses may be transferable at the discretion of the admissions officer. Additional work credits may be earned based on previous work experience on a case-by-case basis.

I am new to the field of marine service mechanics. Who will help me with the on-the-job training?

Each employer has signed a pledge to provide an experienced mentor to guide your daily training. He/she will oversee your job performance, quality and timely completion of assigned work tasks. As your skills improve, additional responsibilities will be added to your job description.

Are there jobs available?

Employers are eager to hire apprentice candidates. Employment locations throughout NYS are available close to your home. Employers use an unbiased selection process that is reviewed and approved by the Department of Labor. Openings are filled without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion, veteran status, arrest record or marital status.

What is the starting salary?

Each apprentice in the downstate area will receive $16.00 per hour for the first year. (Hourly rates are different in upstate areas.) Additional salary increases for each year in the program shall be earned until you become a journey worker, at which time you will be earning the journey worker salary at your place of employment. Other employee benefits such as paid vacation, sick leave, health insurance and/or retirement plans may be available, depending upon individual employer benefits.

I heard the marine industry is seasonal. Will I be laid off in the winter months?

While a few smaller businesses may close during winter, most have more than enough work to carry thru the winter months. You may be able to work for a different employer during the off time and not lose your spot in the apprentice program. You can stay in the apprentice program as long as you work 8 months or more per year.

Once I have been placed with an employer, may I leave for a different employer?

Apprentices are required to maintain steady employment with the original employer for the duration of the apprentice program. Program sponsors will allow changing of employers only under certain extreme circumstances.

As an employer, what is my incentive in hiring an apprentice technician?

There are many. By becoming a signatory to the Empire State Marine Trades Association Marine Service Technician Apprentice Program, you will:

  • help create a structured and consistent training program that leads to a highly skilled workforce
  • assure a steady supply of trained workers without losing valuable production time
  • create coveted career opportunities for participants
  • increase efficiency and productivity, resulting in reduced costs for you and the apprentice, as well as reduced turnover
  • increase retention and attendance because workers with no student loans who immediately get a good paying job and earn while they learn are more likely to stay, and
  • earn a reputation of being an industry leader in providing high-quality employment and training opportunities.

In addition, you also receive an Empire State Apprenticeship Tax Credit of up to $7,000 per year per apprentice and $500 credit for each mentor.

Can more than one apprentice be working at the same employer?

There is no limit to the number of apprentices who can work at the same employer. Each apprentice will have his/her own mentor throughout the training period.

How is progress of the on-the-job training monitored?

Specific tasks are assigned to you and reviewed by your mentor. You will keep a daily log with the mentors’ approval. The daily log can be on paper or a computer-generated spreadsheet. As you gain experience in performing the assigned tasks, the mentor uses his/her judgment, industry standards and/or experience to sign-off on final approval as to the apprentice’s competency in performing the task. There is no rule on how many times a task is repeated before competency is attained. It can be a one-time process or repeated multiple times before you achieve proficiency.

What happens if I leave the apprentice program before finishing the training period?

If you leave the program before finishing the training period voluntarily, you cannot come back into the program. You must also maintain good academic standing at the technical training provider.

Is there a probationary period?

Yes. During the first year you are considered a probationary apprentice.

Why is Kingsborough’s Marine Service Technician Apprentice program 4 years and 8,000 hours when other apprentice programs in New York State are much shorter?

The technology found in boats today is very complex and takes time to understand. It cannot be rushed.

Can I finish the degree is less time?

Yes! You can take general education courses either online or, with permission from the College, at another community college. Technical training courses must be taken at Kingsborough Community College or other affiliated community colleges throughout the state.

What tools are required to perform the job?

Once accepted into the apprentice program, you will be given a full list of hand and special tools you’ll need.

How do I apply for the program?


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