IYRS News

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IYRS and C3 Open Their Doors to Newport County High School Students

[May 2012] Students from high schools in Newport County had an opportunity to get a bird’s-eye view of the state’s burgeoning composites industry and the training opportunities that lead to careers by touring IYRS and visiting local business Clear Carbon & Components. Thanks to the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association (RIMTA) and the Newport County Mentor/Co-Op Group, some 30 students travelled to Bristol to take advantage of the opportunity. “It’s great to see so many young people from Rhode Island who have an interest in learning about this exciting industry located right in their own backyard,” said Holly Ashton, IYRS Admissions Associate. Read More

Systems and Composites Programs Adjusted to a Six-Month Curriculum

[March 2012] IYRS has shortened its Marine Systems and Composites Technology programs to a six-month curriculum. The school worked with industry input to intensify both programs and focus on the skills that are in demand in today’s marketplace. The goal of the move is to preserve the high standard of training that makes IYRS graduates valued by industry while giving students a quicker route into the job market. “One of the biggest financial challenges for our students is not just coming up with tuition—for which there are loans, scholarships, and veteran benefits—but being out of work and not having an income,” said Terry Nathan, president of IYRS. “Adjusting our programs to a six-month timeframe creates great opportunity for more people: students will spend less time out of work and have quicker routes to promising careers.” In both programs, students will take national, industry-recognized certification exams that are valuable credentials for job seekers. The new schedule begins in September 2012. Read a press release with more details.

Career Day Draws Record Attendance

[March 2012] Interest amongst employers and career-seekers hit record levels at IYRS Marine Industry Career Day, held on March 3 at the Newport campus. A record 33 marine companies from throughout New England came to the event to connect with individuals interested in marine careers; over 150 career-seekers traveled from seven states to meet potential employers and attend seminars on career and training opportunities. “Career Day is now in its seventh running and the event has evolved into a cornerstone of our efforts to cultivate the workforce needed to fuel our regional industry,” said Susan Daly, IYRS vice president of marketing who also chairs the Education & Training Committee for RIMTA. Read a feature report.

IYRS is the Subject of a Mini-Documentary

[February 2012] Axion Media Lab of Providence has just launched a beautiful mini-documentary on IYRS. The folks from Axion visited IYRS and were taken with the school the minute they walked through the doors. They came back this winter to spend a day with students and film, and we think they captured the spirit and essence of the Boatbuilding & Restoration program in an interesting way.

IYRS and RIMTA Partner on Environmental Lecture Series.

[October 2011] Beginning on November 1, IYRS Restoration Hall will become a place of green education when the school and the Rhode Island Marine Trades Association (RIMTA) launch a series of evening lectures on “Environmental Issues Facing Sailors and the Marine World.” Leading experts at the frontlines of ocean environmental protection efforts will travel to the school to talk about the actions their organizations have taken to help keep the waters clean—from creating approaches to running regattas in an eco-friendly way, to removing marine debris. Daniela T. H. Abbott of Sparkman & Stephens will also talk about green approaches to designing and building today’s boats. Click here for more details.

Soundings Trade Only Talks to President Terry Nathan

[October 2011] In the October issue of Soundings Trade Only, Associate Editor Beth Rosenberg talks to IYRS President Terry Nathan about the past, present, and future of IYRS--our programs, our students, our challenges, and where he sees IYRS steering in the future. Click here to read the interview.

Career Day 2011 Featured on Channel 10

[March 2011] The Channel 10 news team stopped at Career Day to feature the one-day event on the evening news. See the video clip below.