Yacht Broker Mentors Youth [Marine Industry Jobs]

Marine Industries Association gave the Boys and Girls Club of Broward County an inside look at a career in the marine industry

The Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) recently welcomed 70 high school students who attend the Boys and Girls Club Broward County (BGCBC) program to its headquarters in downtown Fort Lauderdale. A panel of young marine industry professionals discussed various career paths, jobs, and the benefits of working in an exciting and growing industry.

“We want all BGCBC members to graduate from high school with a plan for the future; demonstrate good character and citizenship by participating in leadership training and volunteering in community service projects; and engage in sports and activities that promote a healthy lifestyle,” said Chris Gentile, chief development officer.

The panel, moderated by Sean Smith, MIASF’s director of development and host of the Salty Jobs video series, included Ionna Hernandez, business development manager from Yachts – International Registries; Richard Grennen, co-founder and CEO of FHG Marine Engineering; Juno Prudhomm, yacht broker at Denison Yacht Sales; and Megan Lagasse-Washington, marine director at Pier Sixty-Six Marina.

“College isn’t a necessity for many marine-related trades skill positions that offer a career ladder and wages that are higher than the state average,” said Smith.

“Take the first step,” encouraged Lagasse-Washington. “if you fail, try again; find what you love to do and keep doing it.”

The students also enjoyed a newsletter writing activity with Lucy Reed, publisher of The Triton news publication, and a Water Taxi boat ride to Lauderdale Marine Center, where they visited six marine-related businesses.

“I was once a troubled kid and when I see some of the youth I got to speak to at the boys and girls club, it reminds me of myself. All I needed was an opportunity for someone to guide me in the right direction.” – Juno Prudhomm

Article sourced from Boating Industry