Farm Bureau recently loaned the National Park College (NPC) Marine Technology Program
a 2004 260 Chaparelle Cruiser with a 350 Mag Mercruiser and Bravo 3 outdrive to help
students gain hands on experience.
“During the fall marine advisory committee meeting, I asked members to help me find
creative ways to get newer boats and engines for the marine program. The idea was
to get different brands of engines and boats into the program so students can have
a wider variety of materials to learn from,” said Delmar Hunter, marine instructor.
Hunter said committee member John Linck, of Linck Marine Surveying was instrumental
in forming the partnership with Farm Bureau. Linck negotiated an agreement with Farm
Bureau to allow the College to use loaned boats for a period of two years at no cost.
The College must return the boats at the end of the two-year period. Pictured left to right, marine students John Sharp, Matt Hughes, Logan Russell, Kevin
Ramer Jr., McCoy Sollars, and Matt Matheson.
“The boat is perfect for our program. We have had numerous lessons with the boat from
electrical systems, Bravo drives, impeller service, and more. We could not have many
of these labs without this boat because we did not have this engine package,” said
Hunter.
Hunter added, “The partnership with Farm Bureau and Linck Marine Surveying is fantastic
for the program and students. It allows us to see a much wider variety of boats. The
more diverse selection of boats we have to offer students the better. That exposure
can be a valuable asset for them.”
All six of NPC’s Technical and Professional Division programs have advisory committees
with membership that includes business and industry leaders in the field. Members
serve as a valuable resource for program instructors and students. Feedback from the
business community is vital to a program’s success and allows instructors to adapt
the classroom experience to best prepare students for the workplace.
