HGTC Outboard Marine Technology Program Receives Yamaha Donation
Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) Outboard Marine Technology Program recently received another generous donation through its partnership with Yamaha Marine
University. Yamaha Motor Corporation, one of HGTC’s most dedicated industry partners
and program sponsors, donated a F25SMHA Outboard engine to the program which starts
as a brand-new Yamaha 25 motor valued at $4,000.
“HGTC is grateful and proud of the contributions Yamaha Marine has made to our College,” said Dr. Marilyn Murphy Fore, HGTC President. “Because of their persistence to assist in the success of the Outboard Marine Technology program, HGTC is providing top of the line training for students and making critical connections with local businesses. We hope our community recognizes special gifts like this bestowed upon our College.”
The Yamaha 25 motor was machined for teaching and demonstration so students can have the hands-on experience necessary to better understand and perform common service procedures as Yamaha technicians.
“After working in the industry for over 16 years, I know how important the Yamaha Marine partnership is for our students,” said Matt Springs, Professor of Outboard Marine Technology. “It shows that Yamaha has a vested interest in our program by providing vital tools to help our students learn about the marine industry.”
HGTC is the only two-year college in the state of South Carolina to offer this program sponsored by Yamaha Marine. In passing the competencies of the Outboard Marine Technology course, graduates receive three Yamaha Marine Certifications.
“We have over 105 Technical School Partners currently, the best of which includes Horry-Georgetown Technical College and Professor Matt Springs,” said Gregg Snyder, Marine Training Manager, Yamaha Marine Service Division. “HGTC has created a marine program that acts as a benchmark for all current and future marine education programs. HGTC is vertically aligned from the top all the way to the students in terms of dedication to supplying a state-of-the-art marine program.”
Professor Matt Springs is one of only three Yamaha Master Technician Instructors with the Yamaha Marine University partners. Master Technician status is the most prestigious title bestowed upon a Yamaha Marine Technician.
“It shows that Professor Springs has dedicated his career to being the best of the best in the industry. He also became NEMA certified, to strengthen his industry certifications as well as offer rigging components of the curriculum. Because of HGTC’s excellence in the marine education industry, Yamaha is committed to supporting the college in every way possible,” continued Snyder.
Since the launch of the Outboard Marine Technology Program in early 2019, Professor Springs has facilitated the most Technicians into Yamaha Dealerships. HGTC has also placed the only service manager into a Yamaha Dealership. Being promoted to a management position from a Yamaha Student Technician in less than four years is an astounding accomplishment that would not have been possible without HGTC’s support.
HGTC recently adopted the Yamaha Marine Maintenance Certification Program Mid-Range and In-Line modules. HGTC now offers three Yamaha certifications to go along with graduation from one of the most reputable marine programs in the country.
HGTC began accepting applications for this new Outboard Marine Technology program in the fall of 2018. The program was created in response to a significant local industry need for a skilled workforce in this area. The marine industry is growing at a rate that the technician labor supply is not matching. Yamaha Marine has been a dedicated industry partner needed to ensure the success of the program.
The Outboard Marine Technology program runs for three semesters and provides training in service, diagnostics, repair, and more. The Outboard Marine Technology certificate program is currently accepting new students for the Fall Semester 2021 with classes held Monday through Thursday on the HGTC Conway campus. Scholarships are available on a first come, first serve basis through the Carolina Workforce Path Scholarship.