Pathway to Careers in the Marine Industry
- Mark Dworkin
- Apr 28
- 3 min read
St. Croix Times Staff
Gallows Bay - Future Job Skills of Tomorrow Inc. (FJSOT) has launched an innovative pre-apprenticeship on-the-job training (OJT) initiative aimed at preparing young men and women for careers in the marine industry. FJSOT’s President, Reuben Fenton, is reimagining the future of marine education by presenting pre-apprenticeship classes within a marine facility designated for on-the-job training (OJT).
The “Marine Service Technology” Training Program is in collaboration with the St. Croix Marine Center facility and based upon a unique curriculum developed by the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC).
“Our fundamentals of boating mark the beginning of a new era of career development for future marine professionals, however, this training program would not be possible but for the grant writing skills of Eleanor Johannes, FJSOT’s Financial Manager, who drafted the proposal, guided us through the application process and secured funding from the U.S. Department of Interior,” stated Mr. Fenton.
This federally funded program is now thriving with its first group of trainees as of March 10, 2025.
Gallows Bay once served as a hub for fishermen, conch divers and recreational boaters; today, it is the main port for the Town of Christiansted, the St. Croix Marine Center facility, and the OJT program. According to Chris Hanley, owner of the St. Croix Marine Center facility, “When I was approached by Mr. Fenton to collaborate in the creation of an OJT program, it was a no-brainer. This is a promising solution and offers our young people an opportunity to find a lasting and prosperous career in an industry they are surrounded by.”
The pre-apprenticeship training program includes the knowledge of environmental sustainability - key pillars of today’s modern maritime industry. Ensuring the trainees are well prepared for real world challenges, the program will provide in-depth knowledge of boating and workplace safety, boating and OSHA regulatory requirements, safety procedures, CPR, first aid and fire safety. They will learn about the marine industry, boat maintenance, and the many marine systems onboard today’s complex vessels. This includes marine engines and propulsion systems, electrical systems, and plumbing, making trainees with this basic core skill set employable in the marine industry.
FJSOT is a local, accessible, and federally sponsored program headquartered at the Frederick Center Annex in Christiansted. A series of in-person pre-apprenticeship classroom courses will be conducted by various marine professionals at the office complex. Senator Hubert Frederick, an early supporter of FJSOT, enthusiastically said, “I am excited about the work FJSOT is doing for our young people in the community. This opportunity to work in the marine industry can pave a bright future for them in terms of job security and stability.”
Mr. Fenton wanted to thank the Department of Interior and the network of local sponsors who support the program. Trainees on St. Croix who would have faced financial barriers to skill training are provided the opportunity to receive this comprehensive classroom and OJT training at a fully subsidized cost.
The inaugural class of five male and female trainees runs through October 20, 2025. This (8) eight month program is designed to foster an environment of empowerment and professional growth, providing an exciting “Live, Work & Learn” experience. Due to FJSOT’s Affiliated School training status with the ABYC, a specialized curriculum was offered for its pre-apprenticeship classroom training and OJT hands on learning to ensure that every student, regardless of background, receives the support needed to thrive in the maritime sector.
Mr. Fenton told the St. Croix Times he will continue to build industry partnerships and seek funding opportunities federally and locally to ensure access to high quality workforce training in the Blue Economy. The marine industry is an important part of the Vision 2040 strategy to diversify the U.S. Virgin Islands economy, of which Governor Albert Bryan Jr. is wholeheartedly promoting.
For further information on the next series of classes that is scheduled to begin in July please contact: Reuben Fenton, Founder of FJSOT.
Ph:340-201-3292
