Annapolis is doubling down on its maritime roots with a bold bet on the next generation of boat techs. The city has teamed up with the Marine Trades Association of Maryland (MTAM) to launch the Marine Tech Apprenticeship Program, a city-funded initiative that’s as much about economic survival as it is about training skilled workers. With recreational boating pumping $4.5 billion into Maryland’s economy annually, this isn’t just about jobs—it’s about keeping the industry afloat.
The program, introduced by Alderman Brooks Schandelmeier (Ward 5), is a direct response to the growing demand for skilled marine technicians. It’s a smart move: Annapolis is the heart of Maryland’s boating community, and if the city wants to stay competitive, it needs to grow its own talent. The apprenticeship combines classroom instruction, hands-on mentorship, and paid, on-the-job training—essentially, a fast-track into the industry.
Apprentices will dive deep into inboard and outboard engine maintenance, vessel electrical systems, and marina operations. They’ll train under experienced marine technicians and earn an industry-recognized certification upon completion. And here’s the kicker: they’ll earn competitive wages throughout the program, with the promise of full-time employment once they graduate.
The first apprentices will work at Port Annapolis Marina and Diversified Marine Service, two key players in the local marine industry. Applications are now open, and interested candidates can reach out to Emily Decker at [email protected] for more details.
This isn’t just about filling jobs—it’s about future-proofing the industry. With over 1,088 marine-related businesses and 165,000 registered boats in Maryland, the demand for skilled labor isn’t going anywhere. By investing in workforce development, Annapolis is ensuring that its maritime heritage—and its economic engine—stays strong.
Alderman Schandelmeier put it bluntly: “Annapolis has always been at the heart of Maryland’s boating community. This program invests in our residents, our businesses, and the future of the maritime industry while ensuring that the city remains a hub for skilled marine trades. By creating good jobs right here in Annapolis, we are showing that Annapolis is a leader in the maritime community.”
The program is a win-win: apprentices get a foot in the door, businesses get a pipeline of skilled workers, and the city secures its place as a maritime hub. It’s a model that other coastal cities would do well to watch—and maybe even replicate. Because in an industry as vital as recreational boating, the future belongs to those who invest in it today.