WELCOME TO THE FUTURE
Great Lakes Boat Building School is pleased to announce its rebranding as Marine Trades Institute, a new name encompassing the growth of the school’s educational programs and reflecting its expanded role in training the next generation of marine workers. Marine Trades Institute will house two distinct schools: the Boat Building School (for traditional boat building programs) and the Marine Technology School (for programs like marine service technology and electronics certifications). This restructuring allows for program growth, and along with a campus expansion will help the Institute expand to 50, and then 100 students per year!
Although the name has changed, the values that have driven the school’s success remain the same: a commitment to hands-on learning, traditional craftsmanship, technical excellence, and preparing students for successful careers in the marine trades. By preserving our roots in the renowned Great Lakes Boat Building program through the dedicated Boat Building School, the Marine Trades Institute not only honors our rich legacy but strategically invests in the future of the marine workforce.
Mission
Marine Trades Institute prepares students for rewarding careers in the marine industry.
Vision
To be the leader in marine workforce development in the Great Lakes region.
Objectives of the Rebrand
Strategic Goals
Expanding our reach through larger student cohorts and deeper industry connections.
Grow enrollment to 50 students
Hire sufficient staff and faculty
Secure sufficient student housing
Secure sufficient facilities
Increase revenue to attain financial sustainability
Decrease reliance of donations to 20%
Introduce/support three educational programs
Survey Responses
“Remember your history, but don’t fixate on it”
To what extent do you believe the name of our school would influence someone’s decision to explore or enroll in our programs?
87% selected “Strongly Influential” or “Somewhat Influential”
How would a name change impact your perception of the school?
93% selected “Neutral” or “Positive”
“When I was looking for schools to hire out of, I skipped over GLBBS because I thought, by the name, it was boat building only. The name lends more to a hobbyist boat builder than a marine technology school.”
“We’ve made our name valuable because of what we are doing differently than others. My only real suggestion is to take care to retain our unique qualities while we attempt to widen our target market. Perception of the alumni and the community that suppoorts and hosts us is not insignificant.”
How would you rate the brand identity?
Only 18% selected “Excellent”
Want to Learn More?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Special Thanks
We’d like to recognize and thank our Rebrand Committee, as well as the Board of Directors who approved this rebrand.
Rebrand Committee
Nikki Storey
President
Marine Trades Institute
Jess Fusco
Board of Directors Member
Marine Trades Institute
Rob Bernard
Board of Directors Member
Marine Trades Institute
Meghan Mitchell
Admissions and Marketing Manager
Marine Trades Institute
Gina Stegehuis
Outreach and Communications Coordinator
Marine Trades Institute
Audrey Pearson
Marketing Intern (2024, 2025)
Marine Trades Institute
