60-Plus Students Attend IBEX Career Day | Trade Only Industry News ABYC

The show partnered with ABYC to host students from Manatee Technical College, Fort Myers Technical College and Suncoast Technical College.

By ERIC COLBY OCT 6, 2023

PHOTO COURTESY ABYC

The American Boat & Yacht Council Foundation partnered with the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference to host Student Career Day on the final day of the show, Oct. 5.

ABYC said in a statement that more than 60 students from Florida marine technical schools participated, representing Manatee Technical College, Fort Myers Technical College and Suncoast Technical College. The students attended three technical seminars and networked with company representatives in the exhibit halls.

“The ABYC Foundation is dedicated to bridging the gap between aspiring marine technicians and established industry leaders,” said Sarah Devlin, ABYC Foundation’s accreditation director. “Through our Student Career Day at IBEX, we’re offering a platform for continuous learning and valuable industry networking.”
The seminars that the students attended were “Science of Composites” with Bob Lacovara of the IYRS School of Technology & Trades, “Hands-on Connectors” with John Barry of Technical Marine Support and “Customer Care in the Service Yard” with Steve D’Antonio of D’Antonio Marine Consulting.

“We are thrilled to help introduce students to the boatbuilding industry,” said IBEX education director Patty Lawrence. “Nowhere else can they gain such a comprehensive overview of the marine sector. Our collaboration with ABYC to host Student Career Day serves as a valuable link to potential employers, and we hope to make this an annual event.”