Landing School Announces Development of Women in the Marine Industry Initiative

Arundel, ME (March 27, 2014) – The Landing School, a post-secondary institution focused on educating tomorrow’s marine industry professionals, is developing a community program, the Women in the Marine Industry Initiative, to support women who are in or wish to join the marine industry in Maine and beyond. The primary goal of the program is to inspire, educate and lead women to a fulfilling and successful career in the marine industry.

The marine industry in Maine and nationally is enjoying a great deal of success. However, women haven’t always been made aware of the excellent career opportunities that await them. The Women in the Marine Industry Initiative endeavors to raise awareness among women across the country that pursuing a career in the marine industry is both rewarding and worthwhile. In order for this initiative to be successful it will take members from across the industry coming together to create a network of resources.

The Mission
To promote the participation of women in the marine industry worldwide through networking opportunities, an endowed scholarship, mentoring and empowerment initiatives. Our mission is driven by IDEAS:

Integrity
Value yourself and others
Honor your commitments
Lead by example

Dedication
Maintain a work/family balance
Take pride in what you do
Strive for excellence

Efficiency
Use resources fully and wisely
Focus on what you do best
Ideas first, action second

Action
Express your vision
Encourage bold ideas
Seek and embrace change

Goal
We want to be the best-known resource in Maine and the nation for women who want to join the marine industry no matter what their age, economic background or ethnicity.

How will we get there?
Focus on Potential
By focusing our efforts on an individual’s potential we remove the focus on obstacles.

Establish a Scholarship
The financial obstacles to obtaining the education and training for a career are significant for many women across the country. By establishing a scholarship program focused on women we can help them reach their career and life goals.

Create a Safety Net
Mentors can make a true difference in a young woman’s life. By offering guidance throughout her career, mentors can play a significant part in her success as well as those who follow her.

Remove Obstacles
Help women understand that there are obstacles that can be overcome with guidance, financial support for education, and a commitment to reaching goals.

Career Campaign
Creating a career awareness campaign will help more young women realize that joining the marine industry is an investment in their future and one that can be highly rewarding.

Members of the community can help by committing to participate in one of several ways.
* Act as a collaborator
* Become a mentor
* Offer internship opportunities
* Contribute to a scholarship fund
* Provide tuition matching
* Become a thought leader by presenting ideas at events, symposiums or conferences

“This initiative is coming at an optimal time,” said Barry Acker, Director of Industry Relations, The Landing School. “The industry is enjoying an economic surge, bringing with it a great deal of career opportunities. That coupled with the desire and need for a community initiative of this kind, that will support the continued diversification of our industry, makes for a winning situation for everyone involved.”

If you’d like to help with this initiative you can do something as simple as spread the word. But if you’d like to be involved at a deeper level simply contact the Women in the Marine Industry Initiative at info@wimii.org or visit http://www.wimii.org.

About The Landing School
Headquartered in Arundel, Maine, The Landing School is a full-time post-secondary school that blends education in modern yacht design, boat building and marine systems technology under one roof. Founded in 1978, The School’s inaugural program focused on Wooden Boat Building. Today, the school has grown to incorporate diploma and Associate’s degree curriculums with concentrations in four programs: Wooden Boat Building (Small and Cruising Boats options), Composite Boat Building, Marine Systems and Yacht Design.

The Landing School’s driving force is to bridge the gap between theory and practice, providing graduates with the skills and understanding necessary for current employment opportunities and future career growth. The Landing School is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). The Landing School is also approved as an institution of higher education by the Maine State Approving Agency for Veterans Education Programs. For more information about The School and their programs, please visit www.landingschool.edu.