8th June 2017
The South Korean leisure marine industry is looking to improve its service and maintenance capabilities by partnering with South Devon College Marine Academy.
South Devon College Marine Academy has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with South Korea’s Gyeonggi Technopark and Waterwayplus following this year’s Korea International Boat Show (KIBS). The MOU was signed last week at the show by the president of Gyeonggi Technopark Lee Kang Suk and Adrian Bevin, Section Head for Marine and Automotive at South Devon College.
South Devon College Marine Academy is recognised as a centre of excellence for both on and off the water marine training with a wide breadth of vocational and higher education courses for the marine sector; including marine engineering, boatbuilding and marina and boat yard operations, together with sailing and powerboat license courses.
KIBS special advisor Tim Coventry said, “The South Korean leisure marine industry has seen significant growth over the past 10 years, which has now led to a skills gap emerging within the service/repair and aftersales industry. South Korea has developed an excellent infrastructure to support leisure boating and with the experience of South Devon College is now set to develop a quality-training programme for future technicians. This will further improve the leisure boating experience and create additional opportunities for employment within this growing industry.
“The project is partnered with Gyeonggi Technopark and Waterwayplus, who have established a workshop and resources to deliver practical training in Korea.”
Adrian Bevin said, “This partnership is allowing us to support an important strategic aim for the South Korean boating industry. By working in collaboration and sharing best practice we can all gain in raising the standards in this industry.
“The project will see multiple teaching staff visit South Devon College’s facility, where they will undertake an intensive ‘Train the Trainer’ package, focusing initially on inboard diesel and outboard motor technician skills and training techniques. The project has the potential to develop further courses to include higher-level engine diagnostic training and marina and boatyard training skills.”
The 2017 Korea International Boat Show, held in late May, helped illustrate the growth of the market in South Korea, where the number of leisure boats has increased from 5,000 in 2007 to 25,000 today and the number of operational marinas has increased from one to 20 in the same period.
To find out more about the marine sector or courses available come laong to our South Devon College Marine Academy Activity day on 10th June 10am-3pm. Find out more and register here.
Alternatively, call 08000 380123 or email [email protected]
