Lake Of The Ozarks Marine Techs Wanted! Training Center Has Openings & Scholarships

Looking for a new career? Considering going back to school? The Marine Service Technology program offered by the Lake Career & Technical Center in Camdenton (LCTC) may be the answer.

LCTC offers career and technical training through the Camdenton school districts and offers programs for Camdenton high school students and adults. Adult programs include everything from automotive technology to computer integration, and many more.

“Our programs each have an industry recognized credential. It's really important to us that our students leave us with something that says they’re proficient in certain skills, and that is something that industry recognizes. We're focused on that,” said Jill Durnin, director of Lake Career and Technical Center. 

For those looking for work at Lake of the Ozarks, the Marine Service Technology program is one of the best. This award-winning program has been offered since LCTC began operations and graduates are trained in how to service and repair recreational boats.

“It’s good for anyone who is interested in boats or have a mechanical interest.” said Tim Keeney, who teaches the Marine Service Technology course at LCTC. 

Marine Service Technology graduates have a 100% job placement rate from this program. And not only are jobs numerous, entry level positions start at $15/hr and can go up to between $50,000 and $80,000 a year.

“It's in high demand,” said Mike Kenagy, President of the Lake of the Ozarks Marine Dealers Association (LOMDA). “The marine dealers are always looking for techs. Demand at the Lake is exceptionally high.”

For Marine Service Technology teacher Tim Keeney, seeing students go through his program and continue into successful careers is one of the most rewarding parts of the job. 

“I could tell lots of success stories about my former students who are working in the marine industry around the Lake of the Ozarks, but one guy who continues to inspire me is Tad Andreasen, who is the owner of Deer Valley Marine in Sunrise Beach,” said Tim Keeney,  “Tad took my class in high school, spent a few years in the industry, and used his education and experience to open and runs a highly successful marine business. Not only is he doing excellent work at his shop, he also hires students from the LCTC Marine Program because he knows they do good work for his customers.”

This year there are only 12 spots in the in-demand Marine Service program so it’s recommended that anyone interested should apply early. For the nine month program, it costs students just under $7,000 to complete the program to earn the skills and tools necessary for a marine tech job. 

“That also includes the tools you need to get started in the industry. So it's about $1,200 worth of brand-new tools when they join. So that's a really good price,” said Shayla Viele, adult and community education coordinator. 

And to help students who might struggle to pay tuition costs, LOMDA also provides two scholarships annually for any LCTC students graduating from the Marine Service Technology or Metal Fabrication fields. The Jessica and Malakai Brazil Memorial Scholarship and the Bob Morgan scholarship give students $1,000 upfront to help with tuition costs, an additional $750 if the student goes to work for a LOMDA member, and another $750 if they stay there for a year. Financial aid is also offered through local scholarships, state funding through the Missouri Job Center and Veterans Benefits

To keep the program as relevant as possible, the LCTC Marine Technology program has recently partnered with LOMDA to form a committee of LOMDA members to improve the programs and increase participation. 

“We’ll be collaborating to make sure that the certifications that we're offering and the training that we're able to offer here is needed. It really is going to be guided by industry, by that committee, which is the most exciting part for us,” Viele said.

But LCTC is always looking for industry partners to continue to guide the program in the best direction possible. 

“We’re professionals and all of our instructors have industry experience, but they're spending their time and so for us to maintain being cutting edge and just to stay up with the trends and industry. We really need industry partners to help guide our programs,” Durnin said. 

For anyone looking for more information on how to enroll, go to the LCTC website.