History

In 2006, a 12,000-square-foot waterfront training facility was completed, and the School welcomed its first student that fall. Over the next decade, dedicated supporters, board members, faculty and staff worked to strengthen the school and broaden the opportunities available to students.

In 2018, Great Lakes Boat Building School earned institutional accreditation through the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, becoming Michigan’s only accredited school dedicated primarily to boatbuilding and recreational marine-trades career training.

As the school evolved, it established a Program Advisory Board composed of marine industry leaders, educators, employers, and supporters. Their ongoing guidance helps ensure that training remaines relevant to the needs of the industry. The original wooden boatbuilding curriculum was expanded and refined into the 12-month Comprehensive Career Boat Building Program.

The advisory board also identified a growing need for qualified marine technicians. In response, the school launched its 12-month Marine Service Technology Program in 2020, expanding its mission beyond boatbuilding while remaining firmly connected to the marine industry.

In 2024, the Board of Directors voted to change the school’s name from Great Lakes Boat Building School to Marine Trades Institute. The new name reflects the institution the school has become: a comprehensive marine workforce training organization committed to preserving traditional craftsmanship, teaching modern technical skills, and preparing students for rewarding careers in the marine industry.