FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jeff Weaver, Melony Ritter
(501) 760.6410 office
press@np.edu
February 29 , 2016
MARINE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM PARTNERS WITH MERCURY, INDMAR, BPR EVINRUDE
Hot Springs, Arkansas – The National Park College (NPC) Marine Technology program recently partnered with Indmar Marine, Mercury Marine and BPR Evinrude to expand student access to training materials and equipment. The companies have provided NPC with student access to entry level technician training and testing materials for use in the program’s curriculum. Both Mercury Marine and BPR Evinrude have also agreed to allow the College to purchase equipment and supplies at dealer cost and provide access to all online service manuals and service bulletins.
The agreements are provided at no cost to the College. They will allow students a better understanding of each company's network and an opportunity to reach the initial level of certification required for factory training, creating better job opportunities.
Program Director, Delmar Hunter explained, “The opportunity to purchase motors at
dealer cost could save the College thousands of dollars. The use of factory manuals
online immediately updates our resources and eliminates the need to purchase new manuals
annually. The training and testing materials are the same required by both manufacturers
before attending factory schools.”
Hunter added that experience with different brands of equipment is vital to the success of Marine graduates in the workplace. The addition of this new curriculum means students will be prepared to service many different types of equipment after completion of the program and Hunter hopes to include other marine brands in the near future.
Marine Technology students attended the Little Rock Boat Show January 20-22 and the Hot Springs Boat and Tackle Show February 26. Students assisted four dealers in setting up for the Little Rock event, including, Bradford Marine, Futrell Marine, Orr Marine and Trader Bills. Students at both shows visited with vendors and met with several professionals in the marine industry.
Photo: Left to right Marine students Eric Austin and Travis Lanier with Instructor, Delmar Hunter at the Hot Springs Boat and Tackle Show.
