Wonder what it takes to make a living as a Marine Mechanic? MTTI Marine Service Technician graduate, Alyssa Linkamper asked herself that question—especially because she was the only female—and the smallest person—in her class. “I came to MTTI with no knowledge about the marine industry. I had never even started an outboard motor!”

At graduation, Alyssa received the Award for Highest Grade Point Average and the Gold Wrench Award for the student achieving the highest score based on attendance, academic average and hands-on shop skills. Alyssa’s performance during internship earned her a job offer at Onset Bay Marina in Massachusetts, where she now works as a Marine Mechanic.

The ACCSC is recognizing Alyssa’s hard work, dedication, and leadership as a woman in a non-traditional career. She will receive the 2015 Outstanding Graduate Award at their Professional Development Conference on September 10^, 2015, in Arlington, VA.

“Juggling all of my responsibilities as a single mother, Marine Tech student, and college student (she is working towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management) seemed daunting at the beginning. You think you can’t do all that but you can.”

For people considering training for a career in the Marine industry, the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association states: “There is a dramatic shortage of marine mechanics throughout the U.S.(hundreds in Massachusetts alone)”. It is estimated that this shortage will continue for years to come.” http://www.boatma.com/edurec.html 

Alyssa said, “As a Career Changer I wanted to be sure I would have a paycheck at the end of the program. MTTI really does set you up to be successful and to have a career. Attending MTTI was the best decision I made.”

MTTI Education for Employment, founded in 1985 in East Providence, RI as a workforce development program is an ACCSC- accredited post-secondary career and technical school in Seekonk, MA. The 30-week Marine Service Technician program is enrolling for fall. For more information: info@mtti.edu or 508-336-6622.

Read Alyssa’s story on MTTI's website.