Interview with Kevin McKiernan, Marine Systems, Instructor
“The skills taught at IYRS are extremely transferable, from learning how to properly sharpen an edge tool to learning how to capture a complicated shape onto a seemingly plain piece of scrap wood. I learned a new way to think about and approach problems.”
What brought you to IYRS as a student back in 2000?
I found IYRS by accident. At the time, I was manufacturing and installing hardwood floors. One of my customers offered my friend and me a job on the weekends at his sailing school. We immediately forgot the name of the school so to jog our memory, we tried the internet. IYRS was the first site listed on the page, I printed an application and, insert cliché here.
You graduated from the IYRS Boatbuilding and Restoration Program. How did you make the transition to systems?
That was easy, my first job required very little woodwork and a lot of systems.
What did you learn at IYRS that has been valuable to you as an instructor?
The skills taught at IYRS are extremely transferrable, from learning how to properly sharpen an edge tool to learning how to capture a complicated shape onto a seemingly plain piece of scrap wood. I learned a new way to think about and approach problems. But for helping me on a day to day basis with my students, they appreciate that I remember what it was like to be an absolutely broke student going through couches for change in order to get a six pack.
What work experience did you have after graduating and before returning as an instructor?
After graduating from IYRS I went to work for Oldport Marine in Newport. Under the tutelage of the head mechanic, who went by “Diesel Mike,” I learned the ins and outs of electrical, mechanical and plumbing on boats ranging in size and quality from a 20-foot center console fishing machine to the 100-foot+ sailing yachts at the shipyard. I also taught some Continuing Education night and weekend courses for IYRS.
Do you see any qualities in your students that remind you of yourself?
Yes! Plenty, but I will focus on the good. It is clear when someone takes pride in themselves, it shows in the quality of their work, the neatness of their work area and the way in which they interact with others. I had a student who, after a successful installation of a system, would survey the work he had just completed and look for ways to have made it look better.
What are your greatest challenges in teaching?
I look at a challenge as a good thing. Our student body is one of very diverse backgrounds. We have students who are familiar with the tools of the trade and with boats. We also have students who have never been in a shop. To keep all of the ability levels engaged and not floundering or bored all at once is the most challenging and at the same time the most rewarding aspect of teaching for me.
Do you miss working with wood?
I do sometimes, but when the itch gets to a point, I will scratch it with a woodworking project of some sort.
What are the benefits to having a background in woodworking and systems?
People love their boats. They treat them like members of the family. As such, they expect things to look nice. Take two competent installers, and one of them can make the finished product look like a beautiful piece of furniture, who gets the job? I tell my students that many people can properly install a piece of equipment, but we should do it neatly and make it look good—that is what will separate us.
What is the most important quality to have for success starting out in the marine industry?
Take pride in yourself and what you do. Stay neat and organized and help those around you stay organized (nobody wants a messy boat). The most important quality to have is a good work ethic. Be the first one there in the morning and the last one to leave. If nothing else is happening, then pick up a broom.