Our Director of Admissions, John Freer, on some of the most common questions asked by prospective students.
That's John. I'm sure he'll hate this picture.
These days, the biggest one is: What are the job prospects for IYRS grads, and do you provide any sort of job placement services?
The short answer is that IYRS's grads tend to be successful in finding work, and they get very strong satisfaction ratings from employers. IYRS has a reputation for graduating individuals with a passion for their work, and pride in their workmanship. The school has developed many relationships with marine industry employers, and IYRS is often the first choice for boat builders and boat yards looking to hire employees. Many of these companies will contact IYRS directly when they are hiring.
The school's Academic Coordinator assists each graduating student with job placement, the school maintains a list of industry job openings on their web site, and there is also a career day held each year. Career day allows students to meet more than 20 industry employers 1 on 1, and it has led to many placements for students.
What's the average age of the IYRS student? It varies a lot. The students in the 2008-2009 class range from 18 to 62 years old. The average student is usually between 20 - 35 years old, but there are always some career changers in each class who are a little older.
Do I need prior boatbuilding / woodworking / marine mechanic experience? Nope. You should be comfortable working with your hands, but we have trained people who've never picked up a hammer before as well as former professional woodworkers.
I've worked in another field for many years, but I don't have any prior boatbuilding experience. Will I be able to complete your program? As long as you are willing to stick with it and work hard, you should do fine. The curriculum is geared towards novices, and the instructors help the students stay on track. Exceptionally talented or motivated students will be given opportunities to do extra or more varied work as well.
Do you offer financial aid? Financial assistance for full-time students is available from a variety of sources. IYRS participates in the Federal Pell Grant Program, Direct Federal Stafford Loan Program, and PLUS (the Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students). Tuition assistance is also available through the US. Department of Veterans Administration for veterans who qualify for educational benefits. IYRS also has a scholarship fund which is generously supported by donors, and scholarships are awarded to students based on financial need.
Do you offer student housing? Unfortunately, no, but out Academic Coordinator assists all prospective students in locating housing. We have a large number of contacts with realtors and landlords in the Newport and Bristol areas for students seeking housing.
Do you have an externship program? Yes, many IYRS students work on externship assignments to give them hands on experience while reinforcing their respective program's curriculum. Externship assignments are arranged by the Prgoram Director and are available in the Newport and Bristol areas, or, if possible, in the home state of the student (even in Europe!). Typical externships are done in marinas, manufacturing, or service yards.
And a little personal aside might be useful here.
I'm Tom, the guy who writes the blog here at IYRS. I'm a graduate of the program, (class of 2008) and I can vouch for what John says. For instance:
- I came in as a career changer in my late 40's, and I wasn't the oldest in my class. Ok, I was the 2nd oldest. But the other guy was WAY older than me.
- I met the person who gave me my first post-graduate job at the IYRS Career Day job fair. In fact, I started work literally the day after graduation. The wooden boat shop where I now work employs 3 IYRS grads.
- My boat partner during the first year started the program with zero woodworking experience, and after graduation, he was hired to work on the USS Constitution in Boston. Yes, THE USS Constitution, Old Ironsides, National Historic Landmark, first launched in 1797. That one.
- I received both student loans and very generous scholarship funds from IYRS donors. I wouldn't have been able to complete the program without this assistance. The school's Academic Coordinator and Program Director were both incredibly helpful.
If you'd like to learn more, you can reach John Freer at
jfreer@iyrs.org or by phone at