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Why Should You Be a Marine Tech?
Americans today own more 'toys' than ever before. However, there are fewer skilled people to keep these toys running. One of the top questions asked in the marine industry is, "Do you know of any good techs looking for work?" While this might not be the first thing on a boat builder's mind, dealership technicians may play as large of a role in your company's customer satisfaction as the workers in your factory.
The qualified, active techs are not getting any younger and there are not enough quality young people getting into the profession. Here are ten reasons we can use to encourage energetic, self-motivated young people to consider a career as a technician in the marine industry.
1) Job Security
Visit almost any city near water and chances are you'll find shops in need of good technicians. They may even be fighting over you! Try to get that kind of attention with a computer, communications, or almost any other degree.
2) No Cubicle
There are going to be days at work when the sky is as blue as the water, birds are singing, waves are clapping and a fresh breeze is blowing. Just another day at the office for you. Good thing you did not become an accountant, right?
3) Variety
For technicians, no two days are ever the same. Even if you are working on something you've done before, you'll find that no two boats or customers are alike.
4) Sense of Accomplishment
It's a great feeling to take something that is broken, figure out why, and fix it so that it works again. It's even more rewarding when you realize that the guy who owns the boat couldn't have pulled the repair off!
5) Gifts
Gifts of gratitude come in the form of cash, baked goods, and other such niceties provided by grateful patrons who understand that no matter how much they spent on the boat, YOU are the one who can ensure they get to enjoy it!
6) Work with your hands
If spreadsheets, boardroom meetings, corporate red-tape, and backstabbing co-workers don't appeal to you, you may prefer day-to-day dealings with a motor. You can't hurt its feelings no matter what you say!
7) A more relaxed environment
There may be more money available to techs in other fields, but there is also something to be said for sanity and peace-of-mind. Most boat shops expect efficiency, but don't have constant flat-rate pressure or a waiting room full of impatient customers who wanted their boat repaired yesterday.
8) Comfortable clothes
While it is important to maintain a professional image, this can be done without noosing a tie around your neck or shoving tiny, shiny wing tips on your feet. Some places even allow shorts in the summer.
9) A sharp brain
Technicians never stop learning as their careers progress. Most dealerships are willing to invest in your continued education, from computer learning to cutting edge diagnostics and factory training. You'll learn from experience, co-workers, and manufacturer-sponsored workshops, all making you a more valuable problem solver.
10) Career advancement
Consider how many boat and motor company executives, dealers, consultants, suppliers, and marina owners started with a wrench in their hands. As a tech, you can learn a lot about selling time efficiency and running profitable business. The next thing you know, someone wants you to be a service manager, buy out the dealership or work in another capacity you had not even considered.