First student to complete the Yamaha Apprenticeship program.

First student to complete Yamaha apprenticeship program.

YMAP includes 4,000 hours of comprehensive, hands-on Yamaha outboard technician training supported by an online platform. The program pairs seasoned mentors in dealership service departments with novice technicians to help them learn the key skills they will need to further develop their careers in the marine industry. Working side-by-side with a knowledgeable mentor is invaluable for some of these newbies coming into this new workforce. Yamaha training is a great program but getting hands on learning with someone who has experience is something you cannot get in any classroom.

Sunshine Boats and Motors, in conjunction with Yamaha Marine, announced that Dustin Bearden is the first apprentice to successfully complete the Yamaha Marine Apprentice Program. “We’re incredibly proud of Dustin’s accomplishments. As a former apprentice myself, I understand the importance of programs like YMAP,” said Magnuson. “Dustin plans to continue his training as he works toward his Yamaha Master Technician certification. Once he has achieved this goal, Sunshine Boats and Motors will have three master technicians on staff: Dustin, co-owner Marvin Lawler and myself. Our ability to serve our customers only improves with Dustin on board.”

“Through YMAP, we both learned a lot about time management and efficiency. When you log hours every day, you have a deeper understanding of how you spend your time and which jobs require more attention,” said Magnuson. “Jeff was also an invaluable resource for us. He is the one responsible for making sure this program was registered with the state of Florida as well. He handled the paperwork end for us so that we could focus on the work we had to complete.” Keeping up with time well gives them the ability to know which job to do first and give the customer a better time frame for how long it will take to fix their boat. A question that is commonly ask in this industry since most people dread taking their boat in for maintenance never knowing how many wonderful weekends they will have to miss out on.

This new program is a start to something wonderful and gives the youth of our nation a great opportunity to learn from some of the best in the business. Arkansas Marine has considered participating in this program. We wish everyone who is participating good luck and hope they can get the same fulfillment out of the program that Dustin was able to get.