It’s known as the Eastport Boat School. Its official name is the Marine Technology Center of Washington County Community College. But on July 1, if all goes as planned, its property and physical plant will be transferred to the City of Eastport, and it will officially become the Maine Marine Technology Center.
In what Eastport City Manager George “Bud” Finch calls a “public/private partnership,” the city will join with Husson College to provide the curriculum.
Finch says that a “complex, four-part process is underway.”
He adds, “To say the least, this is an excellent and exciting opportunity to bring industry and education together in a public/private partnership for the future of the marine trades.” He sees the new operation as not only a school but also as a “center for economic development programs for the marine industry on Cobscook Bay.”
Faculty member Dean Pike, who’s been joined by Bret Blanchard, expects the transition to be smooth. “All courses offered this year will be offered next year. The first year coming in will be under Husson College with the second year students graduating under WCCC.”
He emphasizes that prospective students who have questions should contact him either by email at dpike@wccc.me.edu or by phone at 207-853-2518 ext 4208 or at his boatyard at 853-6058.
Pike adds, “Students signing up for the boatbuilding diploma or the one year composites certificate will be eligible for up to $3,000 in training funds from the North Star Alliance. This is new and will help not only the student but the boatbuilding industry.”
He continued, “Husson is offering to keep tuition for New Brunswick students at the same rate as Maine students which should help in our efforts of recruiting from New Brunswick as they do not currently offer boatbuilding as a full time program. The other great news is that the $8,000 tuition for Maine students and New Brunswick students includes a full tool allocation that belongs to the student. This is great news from an instructor’s point of view in that it gives a level playing field from day one.”
Travelift training, marine painting, national ACMA certified composite technician training, systems, engine/drive train selection, and installation and boat handling will supplement the traditional wooden boatbuilding and repair
Courses, he said.
State Sen. Kevin Raye, R-Perry, has been instrumental in bringing about the school’s transition.
Raye had filed a bill to turn ownership of the school over to Eastport, but he withdrew his bill when the Maine Community College System asked the House Education Committee Chair to submit a similar bill. Raye testified in support of LD 221 in March.
“The partnership with Husson College is an exciting development,” Raye said, “and I hope it will help secure the long-term future of the Boat School.” q